The one concept from
this weeks assigned reading, chapter 6, that I found useful/interesting which
wasn't discussed was group talk. This
section of the chapter discusses all the different kinds of talk groups have.
For instance there are problem-solving talks,
role-assumption talks, consciousness-raising talks and encounter talks. The
book talks about successful groups defining their goals and objectives using
task-oriented language. Every time of conversation in a group, whether about
the weather outside or the task at hand has some relevance to the growth of the
group. Every person in a group goes through different experiences, emotions,
weaknesses, etc that affect they way a group interacts. The group has to go
through a process that involves all of the different types of group talks to
ultimately reach their goal and to grow as a group. Through group talk, each
individual member builds their relationships with one another and as a group. I
think this is one of the most important aspects of groups, relationship
building.
I must have skimmed over group talk because I didn’t remember much about it. After I read your post I went back to read it again and your post again.
ReplyDeleteAs you wrote, in order to solve a problem the group needs to “go through a process that involves all of the different types of group talks to ultimately reach their goal…”
Besides the problem-solving talk that needs to take place in order to accomplish the group’s goals, individual members in the group may do role-assumption talk, or, as the authors write, “talk about something in a manner that indicates we perceive our role differently than the simple language we are using. An example they give is a member speaking with authority and placing themselves in the role of an expert.
When groups get off-task or overwhelmed, a group member may try to motivate the group with consciousness-raising talk. I’ve seen this many times and done it myself many times.
I’ve also been aware that members start talking about personal things, which I read in the book is called “encounter talk.” I’ve noticed that if this type of talk is not overdone, the group often forms stronger bonds and accomplishes their goals more effectively. I’ve also been in groups where encounter talk is overdone, and this leads to losing focus on the group goals.