Facilitation Tips

Factors that can influence how your participants may respond, helping you to understand what’s going on and feel confident about running a successful awayday

 

One thing that sometimes worries people about facilitating a group activity is what happens between participants (including the facilitator) on the day – the unpredictable things that can arise from ‘group dynamics’. Here you will find a range of approaches and tips for handling the dynamics of a group activity.

Here, you'll discover practical tips for managing these dynamics. Various factors influence participant responses, so understanding them aids in preparation and response.

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Tuckman's 'Group development model', commonly referred to as 'Forming, storming, norming, performing', offers valuable insights.

It highlights how team members tend to behave based on the team's stage – whether it's newly formed, undergoing changes, or well-established. Understanding these stages can clarify reactions within the team.

Here, we provide hints for helpful approaches to facilitate progression to the next stage. This model is applicable to everyday management and particularly beneficial in group sessions.

During times of change, team members may exhibit unexpected reactions akin to personal trauma. Elizabeth Kübler-Ross's model, initially developed for coping with bereavement and terminal illness, offers insights into responses to workplace changes.

Individuals progress through these stages at varying speeds and sequences. Recognising these stages can aid in identifying areas where individuals may require additional time to adjust or the root cause of emotional outbursts.

Several factors influence individuals' roles within a team, impacting group dynamics. For instance:

  • Introverted team members may initially refrain from sharing their thoughts, benefiting from time to collect their ideas before contributing.
  • Individuals with a preference for visual stimuli may excel in creative tasks like 'Rich Pictures,' while others may excel in drafting complex statements.
  • Task-oriented members may drive the team towards goals, while others may advocate for more inclusive discussions.
  • Participants' concerns regarding status may hinder participation, particularly among newer or junior members who may require encouragement to express their views.

Recognising these dynamics enables effective management of the group process, ensuring equitable contribution and fostering a sense of inclusion and validation for all participants.

Awaydays evoke different reactions among individuals; while some relish them, others perceive them as dull or even intimidating. Attitudes towards these events may stem from overall work satisfaction, relationships with colleagues, personal factors, or past experiences, positive or negative.

Here's valuable advice on managing disruptive behaviour or attempts at dominance during meetings: maintain composure and avoid taking it personally.

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