How groups come together is important to their success and ongoing commitment. Below are excerpts from a few of studies on group formation and group dynamics that you can keep in mind as you encourage your groups in their success, camaraderie and performance.
Groups develop through common stages of getting to know each other and working together. This is often know as the “Forming, Storming, Norming” process, as first researched by Bruce Truckman. It can be helpful to be able to recognize these stages as groups are coming together.
Stage 1: Forming
Stage 2: Storming
Stage 3: Norming
Stage 4: Performing
“Stages of Group Development” by Bruce Truckman & Shawn Stratton (c) 1965
Best-selling author Daniel Coyle has studied many factors that make a successful group in his book “Culture Code”.
The most successful groups exhibit the following behaviors (sounds like a good Growth Group to us!):
The last few behaviors will be more difficult for groups meeting remotely, but still good to keep in mind!
“Culture Code” by Daniel Coyle (c) 2018
One of the most important things groups and teams can do to ensure belonging and effectiveness is to “provide a clear message that lights up the unconscious brain: here is a safe place to give effort.” The following are just some ways that communication styles signal such belonging:
According to Coyle, these styles “affirm and strengthen the fabric of the relationships” among the group.
“Culture Code” by Daniel Coyle (c) 2018
Groups that meet their goals and continually feel that they are performing well have some things in common:
“Culture Code” by Daniel Coyle (c) 2018
There are a few things you can do individually during the formation stages to ensure good outcomes: