Group leadership and performance.
Through the course materials, you have learned about how to effectively lead a group session. Which of the different skills described and demonstrated by Jacobs et al. do you feel would be the easiest and the hardest, respectively, for you to incorporate into your own group leadership and why? In your replies, integrate perspectives on group leadership and performance.
Effective group leadership is essential for achieving group goals and objectives. Group leaders play a critical role in creating a safe and supportive environment where group members feel valued, respected, and heard. They also facilitate communication and collaboration, and help the group stay on track and make progress.
Group performance is influenced by a number of factors, including the group's goals, composition, and leadership. Effective group leadership can help to improve group performance by creating a positive group climate, fostering trust and cooperation among group members, and providing clear direction and guidance.
Group leadership skills
Jacobs et al. (2016) identify a number of different skills that are essential for effective group leadership, including:
- Establishing and maintaining group norms
- Creating a safe and supportive environment
- Facilitating communication and collaboration
- Managing group conflict
- Promoting group cohesion
- Evaluating and providing feedback
- Skills and abilities: I can continue to develop my skills and abilities by reading books and articles on group leadership, and by attending training workshops and seminars. I can also seek out feedback from other group leaders on my performance.
- Positive group climate: I can create a positive group climate by being respectful and supportive of all group members. I can also encourage group members to get to know each other and to build relationships with each other. I can also create opportunities for group members to collaborate and work together.
- Empowerment: I can empower group members by giving them clear roles and responsibilities. I can also provide them with the resources and support they need to be successful. I can also encourage group members to share their ideas and to contribute to the group's decision-making.