members’ communication. The purpose of this presentation is to help you understand how groups function and how you can communicate most effectively in them. You will also come to know an effective process for group problem solving after this presentation. Sequence of Presentation The sequence of presentation will be as follows: • Characteristics of a healthy group • Stages of group development • The problem solving process Group A collection of three or more people who interact and attempt to influence each other in order to accomplish a common purpose. Group Communication All the verbal and nonverbal messages shared with or among members of the group. CHARACTERISTICS OF A HEALTHY GROUP A healthy group is characterized by: • Ethical goals • Interdependence • Cohesiveness • Productive norms • Accountability • Synergy Ethical Goals • Goal itself • Path/Course • In interest of each member • According to law and customs Interdependence • Members rely on each other’s skills • Tasks are divided • Burden is shared • Leads to effectiveness Cohesiveness In a cohesive group, members: • Like and respect each other • Work cooperatively How to develop Cohesiveness Cohesiveness in a group is developed, when: • Members are attracted to its purpose • Membership in group is voluntary • Honest opinions are appreciated • Members provide positive feedback to each other • Accomplishments are celebrated Productive Norms Norms : • Help to achieve goals • Foster cohesiveness Productive Norms Some common group norms are: • Sticking to the agenda • Refraining from interrupting others • Making brief comments • Expecting everyone to participate • Focusing on issues rather than personalities • Sharing decision making Accountability • Sanctions • Changing counterproductive norms Synergy • Two heads are better than one • Collective intelligence • Dynamic energy STAGES OF GROUP DEVELOPMENT Following are the stages of group development proposed by Bruce Tuckman in 1965: • Forming • Storming • Norming • Performing • Adjourning Forming Following things are observed in Forming: • Defining the goal • How they will reach the goal? • Use their relevant skills • Team work Storming Characteristics of the Storming stage: • Group members want their ideas to be accepted • Competition • Conflict between group members • A BIG CHALLENGE FOR THE LEADER Norming Characteristics of the Norming Stage: • Increased cohesion • Collaboration • Emerging trust among members • Motivation to achieve the group goal Performing Characteristics of the performing stage: • Leadership • Skills • Knowledge • Ability Adjourning Characteristics of the Adjourning Stage • Party/Celebration • Learning • Good byes • New goal THE PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESS Two approaches: • Systematic Pattern • Spiral Pattern Systematic Pattern Follow these steps to systematically solve a problem: • Identify and define the problem • Analyze the problem • Determine criteria for judging solutions • Identify alternative solutions • Evaluate solutions and decide • Implement the agreed-upon solution Identify and define the problem • Problem definition • Question of fact • Question of value • Question of policy Analyze the problem Important things to consider during analysis: • Symptoms of problem • Causes of problem • Components of problem • Consequences of analysis Determine criteria for judging solutions • Quantitative and qualitative measures • Resource constraints • Unacceptable risks • Ease of implementation Identify alternative solutions • Brainstorming Evaluate solutions and decide • The expert opinion method • The average group opinion method • The majority rule method • The unanimous decision method • The consensus method Implement the agreed-upon solution Important things to consider while implementing a solution: • Tasks required for implementation • Reasonable time frame for implementation Bibliography • Communicate! BY Rudolph F. Verderber, Deanna D. Sellnow Kathleen S. Verderber • https://www.wikipedia.org/ • https://www.dreamstime.com/ • https://www.depositphotos.com/