Group Leadership

LeadershipA process of using communication to influence the beliefs, attitudes and values – and ultimately, behavior – of others, to meet group goals

Designated leaderSomeone who’s been appointed or elected to a leadership position

Emergent leaderSomeone who becomes an informal leader by exerting influence in a group but does not hold official position or title

Bases of influence (power)Reward (give desired things) Coercion (force)Punish (withhold desired things)Legitimate power (position power)Referent power (admiration/respect) Charisma (extreme referent power)Expert power (expertise)

Approaches to LeadershipTrait - born, not madeStyle – function of leader behaviors Democratic Laissez-faire AutocraticContingency – situational

Functional - Task, SocialLeaders provide informationLeaders can process lots of informationLeaders enact a variety of functionsLeaders help members participateLeaders help members understand and value their decisions/actionsLeaders help group stay on topic

Situational ModelsLeaders should focus on certain aspects of a group’s situation to pick the best leadership approach. Young groups, with little experience and

little success, need strong, task-oriented leadership

Mature groups need less task-oriented help and more relationship-oriented support

Communicative Competence

Effective small group leaders can articulate ideas clearly and concisely, especially goals, problems, values, ideals and solutionsThey talk regularly, but not excessivelyThey are good at integrating lots of information, they can ask probing questions, and they can help draw conclusions

They express opinions conditionallyThey express group-centered concerns. Not cocky or arrogantThey’re respectfulThey share rewards of good performance

Distributed Leadership model

Each member is expected to lead by engaging in leadership communicationDistributed leadership is usually more effective than autocratic, directive.

Problem Solving & Decision Making

Problem Solving: the process of moving from an undesirable present situation to a desirable goal by overcoming obstacles to that goalDecision Making: choosing among optionsThe task is usually spelled out in the “charge”

The QuestionFact: whether something is true or can be verifiedValue: whether something is good or bad, better or worsePolicy: what action should be taken

The Steps1. Problem analysis2. Develop possible solutions3. Evaluate possible solutions4. Consensus decision5. Implement the solution

Boost Creativity – Brainstorm

Given a problemCall out ideas – MANY!! – and post

1. No evaluation – no criticism, no laughing

2. Quantity3. Innovation – wild, clever, weird4. Hitchhiking – spinningCull at a later session

ConflictA struggle between people who must work together but whose goals or values are incompatibleConflict is at the heart of good problem solving because ideas must be challengedFailure to challenge can lead to Groupthink, a false agreement

Using Conflict Constructively

Express disagreement – your dutyStick with the issue, not side issuesExpress disagreement carefullyDisagree with ideas, but don’t criticize the personBase disagreement on evidence and reasoning, not innuendo or emotion

How to lead problem solving

Review purpose of the meeting, the charge, the area of freedomSuggest proceduresAsk a clear problem question to get things rollingKeep discussion goal-orientedRegulate participation so all mayStimulate critical thinking & teamwork

Functional Roles, Part IITask Functions – help get the work doneMaintenance Functions – help keep the group togetherDysfunctional behaviors – selfish, ham-handed, destructive

Task Functions first:

Task Functions (1 of 2)Information giver – offers facts, evidence, personal experience, etc.Information seeker – requests task-related informationOpinion giver – gives personal opinions, attitudes, beliefsOpinion seeker – solicits

Task Functions (2 of 2)StarterDirection giverSummarizerDiagnoser (of progress or standstill)EnergizerGatekeeperReality-tester

Maintenance FunctionsParticipation encouragerHarmonizerTension-relieverEvaluator of emotional climatePraise giverEmpathic listener – without evaluation to personal concerns

Dysfunctional BehaviorsBlocker – raises objection after objectionAttacker Recognition-seeker – Seeks to be center of attention via various gambitsPlayboy – Joking behavior in excess of situational needWithdrawer