Module 3 "FSNP"

All groups are dynamic entities that exists out of a commonality to achieve a goal. Within every group is a collection of individuals trying to integrate personalities, ideas, and efforts to hopefully enact a common goal. The cohesiveness of the group, the power distribution, and the shared common goal are all affected by and reliant upon the ability of group members to act as a unit. Effectiveness of the group depends upon the willingness of group members to forgo an aspect of ingrained individualism to work for a common goal. My personal experiences in working with varied groups throughout my life is that often personality diversity gets in the way of creating and or connecting on a common goal. A recent group that I was involved with was so tainted with individual fights for leadership that there could be no hope for an equal voice as to the goals of the group. I was also in a group recently where there was not an equal work distribution, which ultimately taints the outcome of the group goal with resentment and or lack of commitment. In my prior work with in the classroom with special needs children I saw that the effectiveness of the group was reliant upon clear goals that not only outlined what the goals were but also how everyone could be on board and share in the responsibility to achieve those goals. Some of the children I taught were Autistic, some had mental disabilities, and others had learning disabilities therefore there was a tremendous range in their capabilities for participation. The focus for a functioning group was then the ultimate goal and the outcome desired and how each child could work towards the goal while maintaining the freedom to have their individual needs met. Whether our class was creating an art project or cooking a meal the goal was only ever achieved if everyone was on board and had not only the responsibility but the choice as to how they could participate. Often what this meant was that to achieve our group’s goal we had to take care of each other and have an understanding of the limitations as well as the capabilities of each member. For this to happen there had to be an active and ongoing process of assessing not only how the goal of the group was coming along but also assessing for possible frustration or challenges that would arise. Active assessment was crucial because it meant that group needs could be addressed and taken care of before frustration got in the way of a positive outcome.
When reading the Seeds for Change webpage I found the concept of consensus and how it relates to group effectiveness so informative. “Consensus is a decision-making process that works creatively to include all persons making the decision. Instead of simply voting for an item, and having the majority of the group getting their way, the group is committed to finding solutions that everyone can live with. This ensures that everyone's opinions, ideas and reservations are taken into account.” When I mentioned my experiences with an earlier ineffective group whose individual personalities shadowed the effectiveness of the group I thought about this concept of consensus. I thought about my part in the group effort. Instead of voicing my unhappiness I allowed the dysfunction to continue. This concept of consensus means that every and all voices are heard. As working in the classroom setting it is crucial that all voices are heard because ignoring even just one voice means that the group is lacking a vital aspect to ensure its complete effectiveness. The basic procedure for maintaining an effective group as outlined in Seeds for Change is a plan that I will definitely incorporate for all my future group work. The procedures are as follows:
1.The problem, or decision needing to be made, is defined and named. It helps to do this in a way that separates the problems/questions from personalities.
2.Brainstorm possible solutions. Write them all down, even the crazy ones. Keep the energy up for quick, top-of-the head suggestions.
3.Create space for questions or clarification on the situation.
4.Discuss the options written down. Modify some, eliminate others, and develop a short list. Which are the favorites?
5.State the proposal or choice of proposals so that everybody is clear.
6.Discuss the pros and cons of each proposal - make sure everybody has a chance to contribute.
7.If there is a major objection, return to step 6 (this is the time-consuming bit). Sometimes you may need to return to step 4.
8.If there are no major objections, state the decisions and test for agreement.
9.Acknowledge minor objections and incorporate friendly amendments.
10.Discuss.
11.Check for consensus.
What is clearly evident here is the active assessment and reassessment to ensure that the consensus is maintained and that everyone continues to have an active voice. This as I found was essential to my group work with special needs children. This outline makes it so easy to see and apply the concept of consensus to all groups.
I also found what Diana Leafe Christian discussed in Gaia Education very informative, “The group can, if it wishes, evaluate the process at the end, but only the process, not anyone’s content.” In this concept of group cohesiveness the focus is on the group as a whole entity not the individual parts. This means that the completion of the groups work is looked at and not a focus on individual contributions. This also means that if upon completion the goal is somewhat dissatisfactory it is not a fault at the individual level rather it is a fault at the process level where perhaps aspects such as maintaining a consensus were overlooked.
At the website www.casagordita.com/tools.htm there were links to many many effective tools for creating and maintaining a purposeful group. I think the concept found in the link How to Make Meetings Work in a Culturally Diverse Group are essential to all groups. The concept of cultural awareness again is in line with keeping and maintaining a consensus. Everyone is heard and has an equal voice, and everyone’s needs are met and constantly assessed throughout the process.
“Get the group to talk about what they want from each other in meetings, and what each person feels able to give. Encourage them to give each other feedback and to confirm that they're really understanding what someone is saying, and why. If people have different styles or ways of seeing the same behavior, encourage them to talk it through and try to understand the other's point of view. See what accommodations and compromises people can make for each other. Just exploring unspoken assumptions and learning what's behind another person's attitudes and behavior can clear up many misunderstandings.”
Another key point that I will definitely incorporate in future group work is the concept mentioned in this reading about creating a comfortable tone.
“No matter how good a relationship you have with your members, the communication dynamics change in a more formal setting. Meetings intimidate some people; no one wants to look foolish in front of their peers. Cultural programming just complicates the matter. Setting a nonthreatening, comfortable tone should be first on your agenda.
You can reduce anxiety and increase participation by starting with a warm-up activity that breaks the ice and gets everyone participating right away.”
I think that this is an essential first step. Often when a group is initiated there may be a vie for a leader. This can be offsetting and possibly threatening to other group members. I think that this concept of providing a nonthreatening and comfortable tone enables active and voluntary participation. The reading also suggests using “a simple numerical evaluation such as On a scale of 1 to 5, rate the effectiveness of this new procedure.” I think that this is such an easy, quick, and effective way of making sure there is a consensus. This way there is a clear form of assessment for all participants. Anyone who expresses a low rating can have their needs or suggestions addressed.
In conclusion I think the concept of a working consensus is a vital necessity to ensure effective group outcomes as well as cohesive goal execution. A heard voice for everyone ensures a healthy and effective group dynamic.