Challenging Group Situations

Situation 1

According to Franz, (2012), while leading successful groups is highly rewarding, there are many challenges that come with the responsibility. In this situation where the members of an educational cum growth group suddenly fall silent despite their past active participation because of the remarks made by one of them this would work to ensure that I experienced mixed feelings and thoughts. To start with, the occurrence is discouraging given that the objective of the group is to ensure that the members are fully equipped with assertive abilities that would help stand up against any form of bullying and peer pressure. My initial thoughts as the leader will be to focus on making the group work by ensuring that the members are focused and motivated. I generally believe that the most successful leader is one who never gives up and remains optimistic regardless of the existing challenges. Therefore even with the disappointment, my focus would be on uniting the members since with diversity such issues are expected.

Large or diverse groups only achieve desired results in the case that the members are able to sync with each other (Salas, Vessey & Estrada, 2015). Even though this is undoubted, such groups are hard to manage in challenging situations given that every individual comes with their personal skills and issues which helps in easing communication. This group of youths is large which means that there are more schedules and need to consider and integrate individual’s opinions. The diversity of opinions such as the one made by Ruben is an example of one of the leading benefits of the groups which cannot be avoided. Therefore, in the case that the members become passive based on the ground that one of the members noted that the lessons are useless and will not work in real life I would design effective strategies to deal with the issues.

It is accurate that social loafing has risen among the members. Social loafing refers to the general tendency of the members of a given group to employ minimal effort than they would simply because they hold a low sense of responsibility (Salas, Vessey & Estrada, 2015). In that, after the remarks, the members felt that they would not gain anything through their participation and opted for silence. Social loafing is responsible for reduced productivity. In this case, the members are frustrated that their efforts would not particularly bare any form of fruits. This has also eroded their morale leading to withdrawal. To address the existing issue I would begin by explaining why working as a collaborative group is worth the struggle. In other words, this would begin by setting clear expectations for the group and increase personal accountability. Everyone is entitled to their personal opinion but that does not necessarily imply that they are right thus the members should always retain their focus on increasing their ability to stand against bullying and peer pressure.

This form of intervention was selected because the group is made up of youths which means that they are young and vulnerable to severe effects of bullying. In this context, each member needs to understand that working as a group is the best option to overcoming the issue. Youths are vulnerable to social loafing since they tend to follow the views of the majority which therefore implies that the remarks made by one of the members is likely to affect them severely leading to the loss of production. Since the session is aimed at enhancing their skills in standing up against bullying such an approach is suitable, based on its ability to increase their willingness to participate.

Script to Group:  An Educational Cum Growth Group for Vulnerable Youths

Leader: ‘’The success of any group is dependent on the commitment of all members and their ability to focus on the set objectives. Ruben is right because the issue of bullying and peer pressure has no definite solution. However, we are all entitled to personalized opinions and that does not imply that we are bound to fail. Let’s remember that our participation is the motivation that we need to enhance the needed skills to fight bullying and peer pressure. ‘’

Situation 2

The forming of two subgroups in the committee group is very frustrating based on its ability to affect an individual’s participation, morale and productivity. In the fourth session where the juniors tend to speak less while the seniors remain dominant shows that the group is literally divided. The committee was created with the aim of reviewing some of the existing practices and policies and such goals cannot be achieved where there are divisions. The situation would create an unpleasant feeling to me as a leader because the opinions or ideas of some members would not be considered and raised which will affect their willingness to participate. This would, therefore, create the thought the juniors would feel discriminated and less valued (Salas, Vessey & Estrada, 2015). The most effective groups are the ones that work together to achieve common goals. Divisions normally create frustrations which in turn leads to failure due to the withdrawal of most participants. In other words, this is an intellectual cost which entails the elements of an individual’s behaviors in a group that leads to reduced inventiveness, participation, and productivity.

To address the issue group thinking should be encouraged. People should always think collaboratively without conforming to the views of the dominant perception. This leads to escalated commitment where the members feel accountable for all their actions as well as the success of the group. The seniors also need to get rid of transparency illusion which is a behavior where the group members tend to trust that their ideas, perceptions, and reasoning is more understandable to others. Making a clear focus of the group clear is necessary to set a common focus for all those that are involved (Forsyth, 2018). To draw the members, as a leader setting rules make the management easier since it is very hard to manage diversity while still seeking to increase the morale of the members. Communication needs to be active which will help the members understand their roles and needs of the group. Despite the diverse opinions of the members their ideas should always be integrated and considered as important.

I chose to use the intervention because the existence of divisions in any group results in failure. Both new and senior employees needs to be fully engaged in the process of reviewing policies and practices given that the opinion of every member matters. By setting a clear focus while encouraging constant communication and group thinking the members will work collaboratively. Socializing is an effective strategy that enhances individual’s ability to interact as well as participate without fear. The session needs to be inclusive as the participation of all the employees is necessary with respect to improving the current state of the organization. With the domination of seniors other members will tend to withdraw their participation as they might feel discriminated.

Script to Group: A Committee Group

Leader: ‘’Group working means working collaboratively without any form of exclusion. This group will not succeed in reviewing practices and policies of the organization where there is division. We need the opinions and contributions of every individual member regardless of their status in the organization. Thus, domination is not an option since it has a tendency of creating fear and discourages individuals from participating in the group. This calls for all of us to sync and embrace our differences for the success of the group. ‘’

Situation 3

It is evident that the members of the group are unwilling to participate which is demanding more in terms of effort from me as their leader. Leading an effective group is challenging but with the participation of every member, the task is rather easy. The lack of member’s participation and the fact that, it is affecting my general productivity would disappoint me in general given that the goals of the group are at stake (Franz, 2012). However, this would not discourage or distract my objectives but rather encourage me to develop other strategies for motivating the members and calling for their active participation. In order to increase the engagement of the caregivers in all our sessions, several approaches must be considered. First, before the beginning of each meeting, the topic should always be considered by focusing on the needs of the members as something they would love to hear. Also, it is important to let the members know that their participation is necessary and they should be free to express their thoughts without fear (Salas, Vessey & Estrada, 2015). People tend to speak up when they know that their ideas are valued and that no judgment would prevail in any given case.

Addressing the situation would mean being able to create an optimal environment for the members to interact. A positive setting for group working is the one that is casual and relaxing. Socializing should be encouraged to ensure that the members not only share their thoughts but also inspires them to commit and collaborate in achieving mutual objectives. Socializing is essential in the development of connections as well as the ability to develop reliable relationships. Cooperation as one of the most important aspects of teamwork requires the leader to encourage the members to air out their ideas while at the same time ensuring that they listen to the views aired by others (Franz, 2012). In other words, the environment should be one that supports learning and engagement. The speaker also needs to avoid answering their own queries because the discussion will not be a healthy one. Being inclusive and creative is another strategy since one person should never be allowed to dominate the discussion as everyone deserves an opportunity. Being assertive does not imply that one should rely on being authoritative rather people need to understand that the entire success of the group relies on their participation and each contribution counts towards the fulfillment of the set aims.

This intervention suits the situation because people tend to participate more in an environment which is comfortable and friendly. In that by creating a positive surrounding the members will not only be able to socialize but also exchange ideas among themselves for the betterment of the group. The members appears to be lacking the needed motivation to engage in the set discussions which then implies that the approach of delivering lessons has to change. Thus, the intervention will lead to desirable results which not only involve high productivity but increased participation. The session will mainly entail interactions and learning about the needs of the members to understand the things that would interest them in the set discussions which would in turn increase their participation.

Script to Group:  Support Group for Caregivers of Newly Diagnosed Cancer Patients

Leader: ‘’A support group is a platform where the members learn through participation and sharing personal experiences. Being a leader does not imply that we are right as we all need to support one another. There is a need to join hands and focus on building reliable relationships and a positive support environment where we learn and teach others. Thus, each one of us needs to be part of the discussion without fail which means answering, asking questions or giving opinions. Every person has the opportunity to participate in the wellness of the entire group as we need to head in the same direction.’’

Situation 4

In the case that some group members fail to fulfill their responsibilities, the effort of the entire group is then affected. The lack of active participation of Tom and Jerry is causing discomfort among the members which is likely to affect their productivity and morale as a whole. In this case, the situation would raise the feeling that the behavior of the two members will negatively affect the stability of the members in general. Diversity does not only entail owning rather different skills or ideas but it is also inclusive of active and passive members (Salas, Vessey & Estrada, 2015). There are those that commit to the given tasks while others apply less effort based on the belief that others will participate and therefore they are not in any way accountable for any happenings. It is never okay to drag others down in a group since that means failure of the entire group. Since tasks have been assigned to all the participants, it then implies that the contribution of every individual is needed.

The lack of active participation of the members cannot be presumed as intentional. The lack of active communication normally leads to the withdrawal of some members and leaders need to encourage cooperation through active social interactions. Such things are important as they help in the growth of positive energy for every small group which in turn helps in easy integration into the larger group. People will only participate when they feel comfortable with one another which begins during interactions. People need to be encouraged to talk as well as listen to others which in turn creates an appealing environment for learning as well as active engagement (Franz, 2012). Therefore the members need to understand that they can always share their challenges or ask for help when needed at any given time without having to worry about responsibilities. Effective communication is needed alongside active cooperation to ensure that the group succeeds fully as needed in general. Socializing is the kind of motivation that is needed in the group to ensure that every member feels comfortable sharing their ideas without the fear of being judged or discriminated by others. We are all different and this kind of diversity is a major benefit to the entire group.

The intervention is appropriate because the group is comprised of youths and mainly seeks to achieve academic related goals. Tom and Jerry are not receiving the best reactions from others simply because they are dragging down the effort of others. In the case that the tasks are well designed every person has an obligation to fulfil something that both of them have failed to meet. Thus, the first thing would be trying to understand the source of their inactive participation and how best the situation can be resolved. However, the focus of the group must be set by designing suitable rules to govern the behaviors of every individual. This will lead to stability while still increasing their willingness to participate.

Script to Affected Individuals:  Tom and Jerry

Leader: ‘’A group will only achieve the set objectives only when all members are willing to cooperate and meet their targets. This group cannot afford to fail because some people are unwilling to participate. We should not only be ready to learn from each other but also to interact actively with one another which will, in turn, improve our relations. However, we should not judge passive participant before we can understand what they are going through or their reasons for not actively participating in the development of the projects. Togetherness means learning and sharing our skills with those that need them most. Thus, there is a need to strive to ensure that all the set targets are met without fail.’’

Situation 5

The new behavior as portrayed by John would create somewhat uncertain feelings and thoughts. First, the group had been progressing while until now that John is sharing unlimitedly about his positive encounters as while as his consistent interruptions when others are talking. The frequent interruptions are upsetting others something that has the ability to disrupt the stability and productivity of the group in general. The behavior is unusual and annoying which means that the situation needs an immediate address to ensure that the participation of other members and their performance is not affected. One of the most important characteristics of any leader is their ability to lead with transparency (Franz, 2012). In other words with assertiveness and transparency, John needs to know that what he is doing is affecting others because it is rather unwelcome. Everyone in the therapy group deserves a chance to share their experiences and express their views which is part of healing and learning which cannot be achieved with the constant interruptions from John. He should, therefore, be allowed to explain what the source of the behavior is. Also as a leader, one should listen without judging him as part of developing reliable communication.

The first strategy with regard to dealing with the situation involves summarizing everything that the group feels with regard to John’s behavior. This would involve clarifying everything while pointing any additional points that need to be noted (Franz, 2012). This is important to gathering various thoughts and ensuring that John does not feel discriminated. Affirmativeness is needed where all his contributions should be acknowledged while giving people the opportunity to not only express by also share their views in general. Creativity is needed in this case, since John might not open up in an environment where he feels pressured. With understanding, this helps in maintaining the active nature of the group while ensuring that every idea counts. Since it is a form of discussion it should be a form of interaction that leads to healthy outcomes. This also means being inclusive because even though the members are right to get upset by the behaviors portrayed by John he is also entitled to defending himself. Creating an enabling surrounding and active listening are some of the most important aspects of running an effective discussion that would result in a smooth running of the group as a whole.

John has been demonstrating a rather weird behavior over the last few sessions which is affecting the stability of the group which makes the intervention suitable. He needs to understand that we are operating as a group and the views of every person are important. In that, he has to ensure that he listens to others before making the decision of responding. Effective communication is all about listening and responding rather than being the dominant speaker which is normally irritating. The sessions are mainly aimed at offering therapeutic benefits to the affected persons which is not to be achieved if they are unable to share their experiences in general. In other words, the intervention will allow John to understand the effects of his behavior and how to overcome for the benefit of everyone.

Script to Affected Individual: John

Leader: ‘’Every individual in the group deserves an opportunity to share their encounters and express their views without feeling intimidated. However, this does not mean that we are limited in our sharing but it is important to listen to others. Interruptions are unnecessary as they lead disruptions of the groups which might affect the productivity and participation of most members. In this case, I would beg for the cooperation of every member in ensuring that we listen and give others the needed chance to share with others. There is no inferior or dominant person in the group and each experience is an important part of learning and healing.’’

 

 

 

References

 

Forsyth, D. R. (2018). Group dynamics. Boston, MA: Cengage.

Franz, T. M. (2012). Group dynamics and team interventions: Understanding and improving team performance. Malden, MA: Blackwell Pub.

Salas, E., Vessey, W. B., & Estrada, A. X. (2015). Team cohesion: Advances in psychological theory, methods and practice. Bingley, U.K. : Emerald.