Dynamic Groups are MADE…Not Born!

Ever wonder why some boards, committees, teams, office groups, you are working on may seem more productive, fun, engaging, and dynamic. Does it have to do with the makeup of people? Does it have to do with the number of people you are friends with? Can too many friends make it the group less productive?

These questions are only a miniscule representation of the inquiries you should consider when working with any size group. A group can actually encompass any number of people that is more than an individual. So what does make a group dynamic you might ask? Dictionary.com defines group dynamics as: “the interactions that influence the attitudes and behavior of people when they are grouped with others through either choice or accidental circumstances.” It is true that all these attributes play a significant role in the social as well as functional aspect of the group. There is a model of group development that has stood the test of time demonstrating that when the members and/or leaders of any size group focus their attention on these four stages of development every group and member evolves fluidly and they will function truly as a DYNAMIC group!

The model, designed by Bruce Tuckman in 1965, describes as Dictionary.com suggests, “interactions that influence the attitudes and behavior of people,” when functioning in a group situation. In the infancy of his model development he characterized four stages of group development and later his colleagues added a fifth. These four+1 stages are briefly described as:

• Forming – The group leader plays a key role in establishing the objective of the group while it is also imperative for the leader to draw other members in and listen to their perspectives.

• Storming – In the storming phase members are jockeying for position in the group and independent, sometimes viewed as selfish, behaviors prevail. The project often takes a backseat to self-promotion among the group. Sadly many groups remain stagnant in the Storming Stage which impedes their progress in completing their task.

• Norming - Is where the proverbial rubber meets the road. This is the most productive and exciting period of group development. Big ideas, decisions, successes, failures, collaboration, and the reality of the group and its members are defined.

• Performing _ This stage is where the leader and team members are working as one well oiled machine. Conflict still exists, but the relationships are solid and the goal is shared as well as defined so that resolutions can be attained for the purpose of the project success.

• Adjourning – The intent of the achievement of this stage would be that it is reached upon completion of the task. Group members that have progressed through the process find themselves experiencing many highs and lows from the height of glory that the task was achieved to the lowly feeling that is obtained when group members reach a point that they separate as a result of the task being completed. Obviously adjourning can also take place if a group disbands with out completing the task.

Heightening your understanding of the developmental process of groups you are involved in can make your experience more productive, enjoyable, and successful. Analyzing the process will aid you in identifying the pitfalls as well as the successes that transpire from the creation or infancy stages through the performance struggles and culminating with accomplishment.

If you would like support developing your DYNAMIC Group we are we are eager to team together with you to get the results you desire. Visit our website at www.themeritgroupindy.com or call 317-805-4896 today!

Look for more small steps that produce BIG results!