managing group dynamics
Organizers of neighborhood groups must thoughtfully balance group dynamics to remain effective. It’s important for organizers to maintain a “we” before “me” attitude when it comes to setting goals and visions. Practicing this attitude and promoting the goals of group, builds an environment in which people are included and empowered. Each person is a meaningful part of the group and its success. When a group of people come together, research shows that they go through four stages as the members get to know and work with one another. These stages are gathering, chaos, unity and performance (also known as forming, storming, norming and performing). While each stage is distinct, a group may move in and out of them in no particular order. The chart below illustrates how a group becomes an effective team by learning to work together, and strategies for an organizer to help a group move effectively through them.
16 I SPRING 2021 I neighborhood toolkit
