Productive Groups
Productive groups are the foundation for accomplishing the work of formal organizations (such as clubs, councils, boards, associations, or coalitions) or less formal groups (such as task forces, committees, or project work teams). A productive group communicates with respect and openness, accepts, and supports differences, and works effectively together to achieve mutual goals. Such a group shares leadership, serves others, and is willing to take risks.
A productive group accepts and supports differences, communicates openly and with respect, and works together for mutual goals. A newly formed group often doesn’t have clear rules on what is acceptable behavior. Fear of not being accepted or respected can create problems. It is important that all group members get to know one another and feel comfortable with one another.
When it comes to group behaviors and creating productive groups it takes time. Behavior can present in a positive and negative aspect with the group. Below is a list of either builders or blockers to help move a group forward as a productive entity.
Builders vs. Blockers:
How well does your group work?
Builders |
Blockers |
| Humor | Not listening |
| Starting on time | Unclear issues |
| Short meetings | Disorganized |
| Fun |
No facilitator |
| Compromising | No defined goals and objectives |
| Common goals | Not buying into goals and objectives |
| Enthusiasm |
Not being involved in decision-making |
| Cooperation | Impatience with group decision-making process |
| Assigning a leadership role on a temporary basis (rotating facilitator) | Being afraid to speak up at a meeting because of what others might say |
| Listening | Using words and jargon that some members might not understand |
| Having clear goals which are understood by all | Lack of information |
| Following through and accepting responsibility | No prepared agenda |
| Alternative ideas | Suppressing conflict |
|
Consensus decision-making |
Rejecting other’s ideas without hearing them out |
| Respect | Animosity and dislike in the group |
| Defined roles | Inflexible group structure |
| Commitment | Lack of planning |
| Flexible structuring | Time pressures |
| Support for others | Outside pressures |
| Facilitation rather than leadership | Ego |
| Initiative | Pushy people |
| Sensitivity to people’s differing needs | Hidden agenda/self-interest |
| Trust | Lack of well-defined roles |
| Being process-oriented, as well as task-oriented |
False humor or too much humor |
Source:
Experts from Productive Groups-LEADS Curriculum Notebook K-State Research and Extension, 1999.