For example, as an ice breaker, you may do a simple go around in the group where everyone says their name and a personal detail about themselves. If the group is made up of students, you may have them state their majors and the most interesting thing they did during the school break. If the group is made up of professionals, you may have them state their profession and their favorite hobby outside of work.
For example, you may use a team building exercise like having everyone sit and make eye contact with one another to build comfort and trust. You can find a list of team building exercises on huddle. com.
For example, you may say to the group, “I value good communication as a leader and I hope everyone in the group will communicate effectively with one another. ”
As the leader of the group, you may plan social outings for the group where everyone can relax and spend time together in a less formal environment. This can help members to socialize and build trust by seeing each other as people as well as peers.
You can also put any materials for the group meeting on the table or by the door within reach. This way, the material is available for the group and the meeting can begin smoothly.
You may create ground rules for the discussion and print them out as a hand out for the group members at the first group meeting. Or you may state them at the first meeting so everyone is aware of the rules for discussion.
For example, rather than ask someone, “Is that how you felt about the presentation?” you may ask, “How did you feel about the presentation?”
For example, you may try asking someone who does not talk often a prompting question to encourage them to contribute to the discussion. Or you may say, “Let’s hear from individuals who have not spoken yet. Thoughts?” to encourage others to speak.
As the leader of the group, model active listening for the group members. Start a discussion with a group member and listen intently to what they have to say. Make eye contact and maintain a relaxed body posture, with your body positioned towards them. Nod and smile to show you are listening. Once the person is finished talking, rephrase their thoughts back to them and confirm you heard them correctly. You may say, “What I am hearing you say is…” or “I believe what you are saying is…”. Once they confirm you heard them correctly, you can respond to them.
For example, you may say, “I am feeling like there is tension between group members. How do you all feel about this?” or “I am feeling tension in the group. Can we talk about the issue as a group?”
Doing this can put the individuals at ease and make it easier for them to talk one on one, rather than in the big group.
If the group tends to meet online, email out to-do lists to the group. Once a task or goal is achieved, cross it off the list so everyone in the group can feel accomplished.
For example, if the group is trying to raise money for a charity event, you may delegate the task of advertising the event among one to two people in the group and delegate the task of getting supplies for the event among two other people in the group.
For example, you may notice a group member falling behind on their work for the group. Pull them aside. Let them know you there for any help or support they may need. Arrange for them to work with another group member so they can complete their work.
For example, you may tell the group, “You all did a great job on the charity event. Thank you for all your help. I couldn’t have done it without you. ” You may also treat the group to dinner or drinks as a way of showing your appreciation for their hard work.
