Group Dynamics: Leadership

Cole's 7 Step Format for Group Leadership

1. Introduction

2. Activity

3. Sharing

4. Processing

5. Generalizing

6. Application

7. Summary

Step 1- Introduction

Introduce self

Group members introduce themselves

Warm up

Step 2- Activity

-selection

-timing (1/3 of session)

-therapeutic goals!!!

-mental capacities of members

-knowledge and skill of leader

-adaptation of activity

Step 3- Sharing

Each member shares work or experience

Acknowledge members contribution (empathy)

Encourage, do not force

Step 4- Process

Express feelings of group experience

OTs identify issues, encourage engagement in occupation or emotions

Step 5- Generalizing

OT reviews responses and sums it up with general principals related to the goals

Step 6- Application

Help group understand how principals can be generalized to everyday life

Step 7- Summary

Emphasize most important aspect of group so they can understand and remember

Group motivation

Group needs to have confidence in leader.

Helps clients listen, take direction, interact with others, and seek out meaning

Encourage enthusiasm and interaction

Setting limits

Assume appropriate authority

Allow equal time for all

Limit inappropriate behavior

RESPECTFUL limit setting

Directive Leadership Style

Needed for low functioning clients who can not problem solve

Defines group, selects activity, structures group

Allow client to do as much for themselves as possible

Facilitative Leadership Style

Allow for choice making people to be more committed.

Improve motivation

Client centered

Decisions made by group, guides by leader

NOT suitable for low functioning clients (needs insight, self understanding, intelligence)

Advisor Leadership Style

Passive

Use with groups of professionals or community groups

Used to address problem solving, attitude shift, coping, energy conservation, etc...

Principals for Group Leadership -Planning

Members

Setting goals

Setting time and place

Organizing environment

Choosing activity

General Principals

Focus group on task

Set group norms

Give feedback

Member involvement motivates engagement

Steps for Conflict Resolution

-Identify / define problem

-Gather information

-Consider alternative actions

-Examine barriers to decision making

-Decide

-Take action

-Evaluate outcome

Application for OT Leaders

Model calmness, respect, compassion, empathy, nonjudgmental acceptance

Protect group members from becoming victims

Reframe conflict