Groupwork

What makes an effective group?
It’s crucial that a group looks at how they are going to work together, before they decide what to actually do. Qualities of effective groups are:

clear aims and good morale
good communication
involving everyone, listening to concerns
using strengths
sorting out problems effectively.

Establish ground rules –you can refer to them when things get tough!

When/where to meet - best days and times
What to do if you can’t turn up. How to run meetings - chair? Formal or informal?
Problems - anticipate, and discuss how you’d deal with them.

Agree aims – you may need to adapt them as you go on

Discuss topic - take time, all contribute/comment
Work back from deadline-set goals
Plan a timeline
Identify main tasks, time they might take

Allocate tasks – make sure everyone is happy with these

Use people’s strengths.
Question - check tasks are clear.
Be realistic - break down into small manageable tasks, not huge or complex

Structure meetings – helps you be productive, keeps people positive

Set quick agenda every meeting.
Decide when to stop - and stick to it.
Feedback - progress and problems Address and suggest solutions.
Plan next steps

Skills involved

Listening - speaking

Taking responsibility - delegating

Goal setting - flexibility

Assertiveness - negotiating, compromising

Self-awareness - empathy, awareness of others

Supporting others - supporting yourself, setting boundaries