Group dynamics and leaders 1 Tuckman stages of

Group dynamics and leaders 1. Tuckman – stages of group development 2. Situational leadership styles 3. Facilitation skills 4. Questions for you

1. Tuckman – Stages of Group Development Adjourning Performing Norming Return to Independence Storming Forming Dependence/ interdependence Independence Tuckman - Development Sequence in small groups. Psychology Bulletin, vol. 63, 1965, pp 384 -99

Forming Pe Qu ople’ s est ion s Who is everyone? What are our goals? Do I fit in? Group Behaviour a e L d ers Storming Cautious Polite Low conflict More directive style ? Welcome & introduce members Confirm purpose / structure How much influence do you / I have ? How do I handle disagreement? Energy and noise Establishing boundaries Competition and conflict Allow expression Manage and resolve disagreements Encourage 2 -way communication

Norming Pe Qu ople’ s est ion s How develop relationships? How successful as a group? Group Behaviour a e L d ers Performing Openness & understanding Trust begins More constructive Talk openly about issues Maintain vision and purpose Delegate as much as possible How can we improve? How can we play to strengths? How maintain this success? Make decisions Solve problems Highly productive Observe and feedback Maintain vision and purpose Develop people

2. Situational Leadership Kenneth Blanchard and Paul Hersey 1969

3. Supporting / Delegating (‘facilitation’) More of a referee rather than a player : - Responsible for boundaries and process more than content - Listens and watches actively - Asks open questions looking to stimulate thought - Paraphrases and brings clarity - Keeps everyone on track - ‘Holds us a mirror to the group’ and gives feedback on pace, participation, pulse.

Questions What stages are your groups in? How open / guarded is the group dynamic? Which of the ‘situational leadership’ styles is your natural preference in a church setting? Where are the challenges – your personal style vs the stage of your group development?