We often think about our connections to one another, but how often do we think about our connections with an entire group? Considering the group dynamics in any situation is a valuable consideration which can help you to form more positive relationships with individuals and groups too.
Once, long ago, I was focused on a professional relationship with an individual in my work community, but I never considered the group dynamics at play. While this individual belonged to a professional group I belonged to, he also belonged to another, more powerful and influential professional group. I never considered his allegiance to that group during the time we worked together, and then at a social event, I witnessed his tight allegiance to that group--a group that in many ways held different values than me. The observation struck me harshly because as I witnessed his close ties, I realized that some of the confidences I shared with him may have been used to strengthen his allegiance with that group rather than to foster positivity within our shared domain. After that, I began to look more deeply at this individual's efforts. I listened carefully to his words. I realized that what I thought was a strong professional connection was not strong or positive at all. By ignoring the group dynamics at play in my professional sphere, I was essentially duped.
How does one consider the group dynamics in any group? How can you positively contribute to group dynamics?
Watch your words
First, realize that whatever you say will be repeated. If you talk down about someone in privacy, your words may be repeated by those who may use those words to improve their status in a group. Sometimes people will repeat your confidential statements to prop up their own power within a group. Rather than make statements that can be construed as hurtful to others, ask questions if you're confused. For example, in that professional setting rather than saying, "Mr. Jones is acting with dishonesty," you might ask, "How do we know this is true?" A question like that would help you to learn the facts of the matter without passing judgement on an individual. And, if a group is acting in a way that doesn't make sense, see if you can ask the questions to the entire group rather than one member or another--the more transparent you can be with your questioning and comments, the better when it comes to group dynamics.
Understand your role within the group
Take time to think about where you fit in when it comes to group dynamics. How do you define your role? How do others in the group define your role? How can you gain clarity related to any aspects of your role that you're confused about, and how might you change your role within the group if you desire that? Early on in a specific professional pursuit at the school where I taught, a group of educators were relegated to work with one another without any clear role descriptions. There was a lot of angst and conflict within the group as everyone was operating with different ideas about what their roles were. We would have been better off if we talked about our roles up front rather than waste a lot of time operating with different ideas about each other's role as well as the group focus.
Identify the mission of the group
What is the mission of the group you are working with? Has the group discussed this mission outright or does everyone have their own definition of the mission? Without a clear mission, individuals in a group may work with disparate missions in mind and this is sure to create confusion and conflict.
Don't be too quick to trust any group
Some of us may be too quick to trust a group. This can be problematic in lots of ways. Instead, take time to get to know a group well. Observe what they do and say. Ask questions. Do your part. Trust takes time--give trust the time it requires.
Group dynamics are an important element to any personal and professional endeavor. Take time to consider the group dynamics at play in order to boost professional and personal relationships and efforts. Onward.