Download Office psychology MSF 2016

OFFICE PSYCHOLOGY:
UNDERSTANDING GROUP DYNAMICS
Malinda Fasol, PhD, LPC-S, NCC,
Letourneau University
WHAT IS A GROUP?
GROUP DYNAMICS
Influential actions, processes and changes
Interactions can be both positive and negative
We tend to take on distinct roles and behaviors when
working in a group
Effects of these roles and behaviors on other group
members and on the group as a whole
GROUP CONGRUENCE
KNOW YOUR TEAM: PHASES OF A
GROUP
Forming: Members are getting to know one another
Storming: characterized by conflict; might challenge
leadership
Norming: stronger commitment to the group and
leadership; respect; cliques are dissolved; creativity;
members know expectations
Performing: Conflicts minimal; group processes and
structure are established; hard work of the group to attain
the goals; high morale, loyal
COMMUNICATION
“TWO WORDS “INFORMATION” AND
“COMMUNICATION” ARE OFTEN USED
INTERCHANGEABLY, BUT THEY SIGNIFY
QUITE DIFFERENT THINGS. INFORMATION
IS GIVING OUT; COMMUNICATION IS
GETTING THROUGH.”
SYDNEY HARRIS
COMMON TERMS
Sender: person(s) who creates and send the message
Receiver: person(s) who receives and interprets the
message
Channel: the method by which the message is sent
Message: the information that is being exchanged
Feedback: information sent from the receiver to the
sender
COMMON TERMS
Encoding: process of composing a
message; taking an idea and putting it into
a form which could be understood by
others
Decoding: trying to decipher a message
Feedback: information sent from the
receiver to the sender
“THE BIGGEST PROBLEM IN
COMMUNICATION IS THE ILLUSION THAT
IT HAS TAKEN PLACE .” GEORGE BERNARD SHAW
NOISE: INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL
Psychological noise
Tired
Hungry
Preoccupied
Originates outside of the
communicator
Static on the phone (Can
you hear me now?)
Passing car, airplane,
train
VARIABLES OF GROUP
DYNAMICS
DEFINE ROLES AND
RESPONSIBILITIES
What is the group’s mission
What is the objective?
What are the responsibilities of each member?
LEADER
Motivates
Avoids pitting employees against each other
Can diffuse situations
Respect confidentiality
Approachable
Social Skills
Avoids and discourages gossip
HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=
SCRGDBREW7Q
LEADERSHIP
Clear expectations
Appropriate boundaries
What types of communication allowed: emails,
meetings, shared documents
Confidentiality---ethical standards
Training
TACKLE PROBLEMS QUICKLY
Provide constructive feedback
Act quickly when problems arise (don’t let it get
out of control)
FIRST ON THE FIELD AND LAST OFF
“WHEN DEALING WITH PEOPLE,
REMEMBER YOU ARE NOT DEALING WITH
CREATURES OF LOGIC BUT CREATURES OF
EMOTIONS.” DALE CARNEGIE
BLOCKING: NAYSAYER
Cast gloom
Critical
Pessimistic views
Cynical
Oppositional
THE WITHDRAWER
Doesn’t participate
Doesn’t contribute
to ideas/solutions
Seems
disinterested
RECOGNITION SEEKER
Boastful
All eyes on him or
her
Wants all the credit
THE JOKER
Clown
Inappropriate
timing of humor
BACKSTABBER
GOSSIP
“Today’s gossip
tomorrow’s
headline.”
Walter Winchell
is
DIRECTION?
Infighting; inability to
resolve conflict
Focus on wrong
priorities
OTHER COMMON PROBLEMS
Groupthink
Free riding or social loafing
Apprehension