Group Development Month: common challenges and successful approaches along the group development cycle
Par Family Councils Ontario
In past blog posts, we’ve covered the basics of group development and what happens at each stage. Understanding the model of group development helps us to better understand what to expect as Family Councils start and evolve. This week, to continue Group Development Month, we’ll explore common challenges and successful approaches at each stage of group development. Having an understanding of how group dynamics at various stages affects how a Council functions will help to support the achievement of Council goals and development of successful relationships.
To recap, the stages of group development are: forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning (saying goodbye). In the forming stage, all or many Council members are new. At this stage, people are likely to be excited about the possibilities lying ahead, though there may be uncertainty about Council goals and processes, and how member fit in. In this stage, it’s important to practice openness and transparency in Council goals and operations. Encouraging members to participate will show that everyone is welcome and valued. The forming stage is an opportunity for Council leaders (formal or informal) to engage members in (re)developing the Council and channeling the natural excitement of this phase. The processes, goals and relationships established in this phase will prove very helpful in moving through the next phases.
During the storming stage, differences and tensions may start to arise. Conflict is common in this phase as individual styles, needs, interests and attitudes become apparent. If approached well, the conflict can be a positive experience for the Council as it can bring issues to the surface that can then be resolved. In this stage, it’s important to openly discuss conflicts and seek understanding of the underlying reasons. Reinforce that conflict is natural at this stage and can be useful in strengthening your group. At this stage, it’s helpful for Council leaders to clarify processes, ground rules, expectations, and roles. Invite and provide feedback on how things are going. Resolving issues and developing a strong sense of cohesion will support the success of the norming stage, which follows.
In the norming stage, people understand and are engaged and enthusiastic about the Council goals and activities. Problem-solving and conflict resolution are also improved as members are actively engaged in discussing and resolving issues that arise. Commitment to the Council increases as members are feeling more comfortable expressing their opinions, needs, and expectations. Continue to foster and reinforce group norms and effective relationships. This is a good time to think for Council leaders to think about delegating pieces of work to other members, which will allow them to take ownership of the Council. It’ll also help to spread the work load and help perform well in the next stage.
Once the team reaches the performing stage, relationships and processes are well established. Members are working well together to complete tasks and accomplish goals. Continue delegating work when possible. Council members are likely to feel more engaged and valued if they have an active role in the work leading to the group’s success. In this stage, effective facilitation and support from Council leaders will help the Council make decisions and carry out work integral to achieving its goals. Remember to celebrate successes along the way and recognize the contributions of all the members. There will likely be much to celebrate in this stage!
In the adjourning stage, many Council members are leaving or have left. It’s important to allow time for members to say goodbye to members who are leaving, reflect on past successes, and mourn. It’s also the time to develop, revise, or carry out your Council’s succession plan. As Council membership shifts and changes, a strong, thoughtful succession plan will be essential as the group returns to the forming stage. It’s time to acknowledge successes and plan for a new stage of operation!
It’s important to note that due to the ongoing, regular changes in Council membership, a Council may move back and forth through these stages. Each stage has its own challenges and opportunities. Understanding how these stages work- and that each stage is normal! - will support the development and success of your Council. Stay tuned next week for group development tools your Council can use to build a high performance team!
Source: Arora, Mohit, and Haig Baronikian. Leadership in Project Management: Leading people and projects to success, 2nd edition. Leadership Publishing House, 2013.