05 Communication in Work Groups

8/8/2019 05 Communication in Work Groups

1/13

HR Training1

Effective Communication in WorkGroups

The AFSCME/OHSU

Career Development Center


2/13

HR Training2

Objectives

Showcase the importance of effective involvement in

groups. Provide an understanding of how groups develop.

Focus on roles to avoid and roles to assimilate in

groups.

Develop an understanding of different styles of conflict. Suggest effective skills for participating in meetings.


3/13

HR Training3

The Importance of Work Groups

Work Groups are exceptionally useful for

combining the talents of its member to producea unique product that could not be

accomplished by any one member. Groups can

be very motivational for each of the members

and encourage creative problem solving. Forthis reason U.S. work culture is heavily

weighted towards the use of groups at work.


4/13

HR Training4

What Group Affiliation Provides

To be successful in groups it is important to understand

what human need groups provide at a deeper level. Affection.A basic human need without affection we

can feel unfulfilled.

Inclusion. The feeling of belonging to something

bigger than oneself.

Control. We need to know we have an identity, and

that others see us.


5/13

HR Training5

Activity

Take a moment to think about the various clubs, groups, and

associations you belong to.

What do you get out of being part of the group

What things happen that make you frustrated and not wanting to

be part of the group.


6/13

HR Training6

Group Identity

How can you help create a positiveenvironment for your workgroup?


7/13

HR Training7

Six Common Social Roles in Groups

Groups members often play certain social roles:

Encourager: Praises the ideas of others. Harmonizer: Mediates differences between group members.

Compromiser: Moves group to another position that is favored by

all group members.

Gatekeeper: Keeps communication channeled.

StandardSetter: Suggests standards or criteria for the group toachieve.

Follower: Goes along with the group and accepts the group's

ideas.


8/13

HR Training8

Role Types to Avoid

Aggressor: often deflates the status of others, andmakes other subtle attacks on team members selfworth.

Blocker: resists movement by the group.

Recognition seeker: constantly calls attention tohimself or herself constantly.

Self-discloser: seeks to disclose personal feelings oropinions excessively.

Dominator: asserts control over the group bymanipulating the other group members.

Victim: tries to gain the sympathy of the group.


9/13

HR Training9

A supportive role in groups

Individuals in groups can encourage a supportive

climate, marked by these traits: Presenting ideas or opinions in a non threatening way.

Focusing attention on helping the group solve problems.

Communicating openly and honestly.

Practicing empathy to understand where others are coming

from. Encouraging equality by asking everyone for their opinions.

Expressing a willingness to listen to others.


10/13

HR Training10

Understanding different conflict styles

Competitive: high in assertiveness, low in cooperativeness.Competitive people want to win the conflict.

Accommodative: low in assertiveness and high incooperativeness. These members are afraid of group rejection.

Avoiding: low in assertiveness, low in cooperativeness. Apassive aggressive style.

Collaborative: high assertiveness, high in cooperativeness.These group members are active and productive problemsolvers.

Compromising: moderate in assertiveness, moderate incooperativeness. Compromisers are willing to "give and take" toresolve conflict.


11/13

HR Training11

Activity

In a group of three talk about different conflict

styles you have witnessed.

What kind of style do you have and what kind of

behavioral changes can you make to be more

positive?


12/13

HR Training12

Participating Effectively in Meetings

Always come prepared with information or data.

Be self-aware of your tone of voice, and nonverbalcommunication. Communicate respectfully.

Assert your opinions in a non aggressive fashion.

Be careful to ask others for their ideas and opinions.

Collaborate rather than develop fixed opinions. Challenge ideas you disagree with until the group has

developed a critical mass on an issue. You can always

disagree then commit.


13/13

HR Training13

Notes

Documents

05 Communication in Work Groups