Improving Group Dynamics in the Workplace
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Improving Group Dynamics in the Workplace

Improving Group Dynamics - E-Learning

Effective group dynamics are vital for organizational productivity and success – if your team isn’t pulling in the same direction, there is little chance of them reaching the destination!

Personality conflicts, ineffective leadership, miscommunication, free-riding (when an individual relies on other team members’ efforts instead of their own), and negative or aggressive behaviours, can all take their toll on group dynamics.

These behaviours lead to tension in the workplace, creating teams with low cohesion, high antagonism, and minimal productivity.

None of which is good for the individuals within the team, the organization as a whole, or their clients.

However, there are ways to improve group dynamics.

Read on, we’ll show you how…

 

 

 

Group Dynamics and Why it Matters

The term ‘Group Dynamics’ relates to how team members function as a whole, and how each individual’s behaviour impacts other members.

Group dynamics are important whether the team is together for just a few days, or longer term.

While it can be tricky to quantify group dynamics, as it relates to both conscious and unconscious behaviours, it is easy to tell when a team works well together, or not.

Effective and successful group dynamics create productive teams with members who trust and support each other, are able to adapt their own thoughts and actions to benefit the whole, and who can collectively work together towards a mutual goal.

For an organization, the benefits of this kind of teamwork are numerous, and include:

• Productivity

• Creativity

• Effectiveness

• Innovation

Problem solving

• Satisfied clients

• Diversity and Inclusion

• Accountability

• Health and wellbeing of employees

Conflict resolution

 

 

Improving Group Dynamics in the Workplace

Attempting to push your team together in a bid to improve group dynamics (without first investing some time and energy in identifying any problems and producing strategies for improvement) isn’t going to be enough to create a unified team.

However, there are plenty of practical strategies which will improve group dynamics, we’ve listed our top three below.

 

 

1. Analyse your Team

This doesn’t mean sneaking around watching what everyone is up to and how they act when they think no-one is watching!

What it does mean however, is observing the team working together, analysing how they interact, who takes the lead, how members act and react during certain situations, and discussing any findings or issues with each team member separately, and collectively.

Ensure each member of the team has an opportunity to express their opinions in a safe and confidential manner and reassure them that the purpose isn’t to place blame but to find an effective solution to any issues that have been diagnosed.

 

 

2. Establish Roles, Responsibilities and Rights

Strong teams are made up of strong individuals who understand their personal role, have clearly defined responsibilities, and are aware of the rights of others, so that they can work together effectively in order the reach their mutual goal.

By analysing your team, (see number 1) it is possible to find out which members aren’t settled within their role, are ignoring their responsibilities, or are manipulating the rights of others, and act accordingly.

Remember, this applies to every level of your team, including leadership, so make sure a clear charter is set out containing expectations, outcomes, and behaviour.

In this way, all team members can motivate themselves, and each other, with additional support from those in leadership roles.

Any team members who are underperforming can be held to account as set out within the charter of roles, responsibilities, and rights.

 

3. Be Inclusive

An inclusive workplace is the foundation of an effective team, helping to promote and support great group dynamics.

A workplace which places emphasis on, and actively encourages or supports inclusive practices, is one which promotes diversity, respect, empathy, cultural awareness, and trust within the entire organization.

Methods for improving inclusion include:

• Regular team building exercises or events

• Diversity days (celebrating diverse cultures, religions, or holidays)

Cultural awareness training

• Improving communication channels

• Sharing and rewarding success

Mentoring and coaching opportunities

 

Group dynamics can easily become stagnant, can shift when a team member leaves or joins, and major conflict seems to erupt with little warning, so it is essential that teams are monitored regularly for any simmering issues or underlying tension.

Operating frequent check-ins, resolving conflict quickly, evaluating and guiding team relationships, and ensuring that lines of communication remain open at every level, are vital for avoiding the types of problems outlined above.

More information on improving group dynamics within the workplace is available via our e-Learning course here.

Alternatively, contact a member of the Creative Word team now to find out how we help your team.