I participated today in a low ropes course for problem solving and team building. Since I have trouble with my knees, currently, I could only participate in some of the activities. (Hey, I walked half a mile to and from the events, and so forth, on rolling hills and through the forest.) Consequently, I had an interesting view of the manner in which the members of the organization interact with each other.
If you have the opportunity, in a meeting, at a retreat, in a training session or during any other interactive event, stay quiet and observe the interactions of others. These are some of the factors I watch:
- Who is in charge?
- What happens when he is so involved in the course that he can no longer see to direct and others take the lead?
- If the activity breaks down into two or more groups, why is this happening? Are the second-level leaders pulling the people in different directions?
- Are too many people trying to lead?
- Are the quieter people listened to?
- Who's ideas prevail?
- Did the group plan where they were going before they started down the path?
- Did the group have a general idea of its plan, and leap to the conclusion, forgetting to completely chart the course through to the finish?
- Did your group adequately debrief to maximize learning from the experience?
- Did the facilitator know *how* to debrief the team building activity?
There are many more, but if you analyze your group using these factors, you are off to a great start at understanding group dynamics.
Twelve Tips for Team Building: How to Make Teams Effective
Warmly,
Susan
11:56:47 AM
Group Dynamics Redux 
|
|
