Uncertainty, consternation, and anxiety define the initial stage of a group. Members of the group are unsure of the group’s purpose, their place within it, or the personalities of the other participants. During this phase, group leaders must be very understanding and patient, as well as assist the group members in becoming comfortable and beginning to develop a sense of mutual trust. Providing structure and clarity, setting norms and procedures, and developing rapport and trust are all necessary for group leaders to get beyond this initial stage.
Since the organization is still forming, members are only now beginning to communicate and get to know one another. They might not yet be familiar with one other’s names or shared hobbies. As the group gets to know one another, they get to understand one other’s personalities, strengths, and shortcomings (Riesagirl, 2011, 1:50). They might be beginning to develop friendships or allies with specific group members. They can be concerned about the success of the group or their ability to get along with the other members. Members are pushing each other to their boundaries in an effort to learn more about each other’s capacities (Riesagirl, 2011, 6:10). They can be attempting to identify the leader and the person in command. The leader wants to establish authority and control, therefore he or she wants to make sure that everyone in the group is doing what they are supposed to be doing. The group’s leader may be establishing rules and regulations or attempting to gain consensus on a strategy (Kane, 2019). Members of the group are unsure of what will happen which causes a great deal of confusion and worry.
To aid group members in navigating this Initial Stage, group leaders must offer structure and clarity. They can accomplish this by creating norms and regulations as well as by fostering rapport and confidence. To help group members comprehend expectations and the decision-making process, group leaders should set rules and guidelines. The group’s objective, decision-making procedure, and member duties, for instance, might all be explained by the leader. Group leaders should establish rapport and trust by being forthright and sincere, as well as by showcasing their own dedication to the group’s success. By being honest and sincere and by sharing personal experiences and facts, the leader can gain followers’ trust, while by expressing concern and interest in each group member, the leader can foster a sense of camaraderie.
References
Riesagirl. (2011). Group Therapy Video 1 Part 1 [Video]. YouTube. Web.
Kane, G. (2019). The Technology Fallacy: People are the real key to digital transformation. Research-Technology Management, 62(6), 44-49. Web.