Group process handout1
- 1. FACILITATION & GROUP PROCESS The role of the facilitator in running groups is about maintaining the task, the team needs and individual needs. The dynamics that go in groups is referred to as the process. It is about what individuals in the group are hearing, seeing and feeling about being in the group. There is a common purpose for a training group coming together and this could be to achieve some objectives on a training programme. Each person will have a different experience in the group. The role of the facilitator is to facilitate the learning of the individuals in the group and to ensure the group achieves its tasks and objectives. The facilitator achieves the group task by using various tools and methods such as icebreakers, exercises, energisers, lectures, handouts, videos, case studies and group discussions etc. The team maintenance is about ensuring cohesion in the group and that the group is moving along and learning. The individual needs refer to the personal needs people bring to a group. These needs can range from physical needs for warmth, food and comfort to psychological needs of recognition, status, friendship, self- esteem and doing something worthwhile. The facilitator should be welcoming, friendly and provide regular breaks and check how people are feeling about the course, their learning and the physical environment. Facilitators as group leaders should be aware of the needs of the group and the individual and endeavour to match them with the group task. This involves the facilitator constantly scanning the group and checking for both verbal and non-verbal signals from the group members. Adult learners need to remain motivated in order to learn. Some facilitators who are task focussed run the risk of achieving the task and losing the group members who may feel frustrated and dissatisfied. Think about times when you were in a group whether it was a work group or a social group. What were your experiences and feelings in that group? Were your individual needs being met or was the group leader focussed on the task?
- 2. TASK NEEDS GROUP INDIVIDUAL MAINTENANCE NEEDS NEEDS Figure 1 The Three-Circles Model- John Adair • In the Three- Circles model task, group and individual needs always interact • The group leader should constantly be aware of what is happening in the group regarding the three circles • The group leader is responsible for: 1. Achieving the task 2. Building and maintaining the team 3. Developing the individual
- 3. Group Leader Qualities • Congruence • Authenticity • Listening Skills • Enthusiasm • Open-Mindedness • Flexibility • Sense of Humour • Imagination • Creativity • Empathy • Perseverance • Sensitivity • Integrity • Initiative • Self-Awareness • Diversity Awareness • Self- Confidence • Consistency • Efficiency
- 4. • Humility