Group Leadership

Leadership

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

Designated leader

Someone who’s been appointed or elected to a leadership position

Emergent leader

Someone 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 Leadership

Trait - born, not madeStyle – function of leader behaviors Democratic Laissez-faire Autocratic

Contingency – situational

Functional - Task, Social

Leaders 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 Models

Leaders 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 Question

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

The Steps

1. 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 – spinning

Cull at a later session

Conflict

A 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 II

Task 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 Functions

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

Dysfunctional Behaviors

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