Page 236 - Effective group discussion theory and practice by Adams, Katherine H. Brilhart, John K. Galanes, Gloria J

Leading Small Groups: Practical Tips 219

The following suggestions can help you establish and retain a climate of trust:
1. Establish norms, based on ethical principles, that build trust.
Trust-building communication is based on three important ethical principles:
working to understand others, communicating to enhance others’ identities and
self-concepts, and behaving like a responsible group member. Specific behaviors
that promote trust are listening actively, encouraging others to explain
themselves, helping others with assignments or tasks, maintaining confidentiality,
getting assignments done when promised, making sure you understand
someone’s position before disagreeing, and making others feel free to disagree.
2. Confront trust violators and other problem members.
Two of the most common complaints are that groups tolerate members who put
self over group and that leaders fail to confront such team members. If
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repeated efforts by you and other members don’t work, it is far better to remove
offenders from the group than to allow trust to erode.
3. Encourage members to understand and embrace their diversity.
Diversity can be a group’s greatest strength, but not if members can’t capitalize
on that diversity. Whether the group’s diversity is based on personality
characteristics, differences in stage of life, or varying cultural or co-cultural
backgrounds, encouraging members to get to know each other at more than a
superficial level can help produce understanding and appreciation. The leader
should help the team recognize one another’s differences and the unique
strengths those differences provide. We have noted earlier in this chapter that
the leader’s own belief in the positive potential of diversity goes a long way in
buffering the possible divisions that could occur in a group. 27
It may help to invite an outside trainer in to conduct a workshop about
differences and their value. A library staff we know participated in a trainer-led
workshop on personality differences revealed by color preference. The staff had fun
learning about how different people preferred to approach work. That helped them
see that others weren’t being contrary; they were just trying to work in the way they
felt most comfortable. The staff began to use color vocabulary in a teasing, but
friendly, way: “Oh, you’re being so green! We blues will never understand you!”
The workshop helped improve staff relationships and work efficiency.
4. Be a principled leader.
Principled leaders put the needs of the group ahead of their individual needs
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and behave in ethical ways consistent with the group’s norms. For instance,
they do not say they want group participation, then squash members’ attempts
to participate. Good group leaders inspire members to work toward the group’s
vision. They show personal commitment to the team’s goals. Moreover, they
develop the talents of the other members. Leaders create leaders by giving
members the experience and latitude they need to act with self-confidence.

Promoting Teamwork and Cooperation Establishing a climate of trust will do more
than anything else to develop cooperation and teamwork among members. In
Chapter 6 we pointed out how authentic leadership helps promote trust between

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