Groupwork
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 -Ìý flexibility
Assertiveness - negotiating, compromising
Self-awareness - empathy, awareness of others
Supporting others - supporting yourself, setting boundaries
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