Book Content

Many of us are put into situations where an understanding of group dynamics, communication and leadership skills would be beneficial. You don't have to be a professional trainer: just giving a talk to a group of your colleagues or running a volunteer community group or being on any committee are situations where you would benefit from the information and confidence you will gain from the book. Leading a Group will give you a thorough grounding in many necessary leadership and facilitation skills.

SECTION 1 SETTING UP THE GROUP

Outlines ways to establish a comfortable working atmosphere and how to get off to a good start. Discusses the importance of eliciting participants expectations, their knowledge of group process and how to establish common agreements to help with the usual difficulties in establishing a functioning group.

Topics: Environment and Atmosphere, Introductions, Group Process, Expectations, Group Agreements, Group Size and Attendance, Meeting Checklist (sample page below).

SECTION 2 LEADERSHIP AND GROUP THEORY

Looks at a wide range of leadership and facilitation skills. Being aware of and practicing these skills will enhance your leadership. How to develop an effective group and establish and maintain trust. In simple terms group stages and group dynamics are explained and how to get the best out of all participants in each of these stages. This information forms a thorough understanding of the fundamental aspects of effective communication including listening and body language, empowering leadership and group theory. Understanding and appreciating the subtilities in working with people with different learning styles.

Topics: Leadership, You the Leader, Task and Maintenance, Effective and Ineffective Groups, Group Stages, Norms and Conformity, Communication, Jargon, Body Language, Trust, Adult Learners, Learning Styles.

SECTION 3 BASIC STRATEGIES

Setting your objectives and developing a program, getting the timing right, incorporating activities such as role plays, and activities which help create dynamic, memorable and interesting sessions. Also covered are key facilitation skills such as questioning and giving feedback to participants.

Topics: Preparing a Program, Structure and Presentation, Exercises, Role Play, Questioning, Giving and Receiving Feedback.

SECTION 4 A VARIETY OF BEHAVIOURS

This section explains the elements involved in dealing with differing participant behaviours such as those tricky situations: someone's difficult, negative or inappropriate behaviour, and how to adress conflict in the group with problem solving. Also suggestions about those unexpected moments like someone crying in the group.

Topics: Inappropriate Behaviour, Participation, Conflict in the Group, Problem Solving, Crying.

SECTION 5 FINISHING OFF

Evaluation and Closure: those two important aspects in group dynamics. Learn how to meaningfully evaluate what you have done and how to use your group skills to bring the group to a finish that prepares and empowers all participants. Ideas regarding what to include on a certificate.

Topics: Evaluation (sample page below), Closure, Certificates.

SECTION 6 VARIATIONS ON A THEME

Discusses specific information related to the dynamics of groups, open groups such as support or therapy groups and closed groups such as work related training groups or community action groups. A brief outline of considerations for children's groups or men only groups. Also some ideas on how to select a trainer or consultant or conversely what is expected of a trainer or consultant.

Topics: Open and Closed Groups, Support Groups, Children's Groups, Men's Groups, Trainers and Consultants, Meetings and Presentations, Conclusion.

The book ends with a Things to Take Checklist, glossary and suggestions for further reading.

Download sample page 19

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