1GRPFAC | Slreflection

GROUP DYNAMICS AND FACILITATION

Running the sessions

Over the three sessions, I learnt the importance of adopting a flexible approach when facilitating the activities.

It is certainly important to follow the agenda to ensure that objectives are met. However, there are situations where it is necessary to deviate from the original plan in the interest of the participants. My team displayed flexibility when we organised impromptu games to entertain the participants during free periods.

Besides engaging the participants, unexpected scenarios also call for a flexible mindset. On Day 2, due to a delay in the bus arrival, we only had time to conduct one of our three planned activities. Despite the sudden change, we maintained our composure and even improvised additional exercises to make our yoga activity more robust.

Interactions with group members

Throughout the course of this project, my co-facilitators have displayed good team synergy, which I believe, is a result of compatible conflict management styles.

Analysing my team’s conflict management dynamic through the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (Thomas, 2008), I posit that our team’s combination of styles optimised our collective decision-making capabilities.

Overall, my team ranks high on cooperativeness and had an equal distribution of high and low assertiveness. As all members are highly cooperative, we were able to offer mutual support to organise a successful programme. With an even blend of both assertive and more passive members, we could efficiently accomplish tasks with a healthy level of constructive disagreement.