Supplemental Resources: Supporting Student Learning
Constructive and Destructive Group Behaviors
Constructive Group Behaviors
Cooperating: Is interested in the views and perspectives of the other group members and is willing to adapt for the good of the group.
Clarifying: Makes issues clear for the group by listening, summarizing, and focusing discussions.
Inspiring: Enlivens the group, encourages participation and progress.
Harmonizing: Encourages group cohesion and collaboration. For example, uses humor as a relief after a particularly difficult discussion.
Risk Taking: Is willing to risk possible personal loss or embarrassment for the group or project success.
Process Checking: Questions the group on process issues such as agenda, time frames, discussion topics, decision methods, use of information, etc.
Destructive Group Behaviors
Dominating: Takes much of the meeting time expressing own views and opinions. Tries to take control by use of power, time, etc.
Rushing: Encourages the group to move on before the task is complete. Gets “tired” of listening to others and working as a group.
Withdrawing: Removes self from discussions or decision making. Refuses to participate.
Discounting: Disregards or minimizes group or individual ideas or suggestions. Severe discounting behavior includes insults, which are often in the form of jokes.
Digressing: Rambles, tells stories, and takes group away from the primary purpose.
Blocking: Impedes group progress by obstructing all ideas and suggestions. “That will never work because…”
Attributions
Adapted from Brunt (1993). Facilitation Skills for Quality Improvement. Quality Enhancement Strategies, Madison WI.
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