Eliza Cody Discussion question

Based on the reading and the video from this week I would say that there are many different skills associated with being effective in leading a group. I think that the easiest skill from this week for me to incorporate in my own leadership style would be “Encouraging and Supporting”. I find myself often times searching for reasons or ways to celebrate the people that are in my life, even if it may be the smallest little victory. In a group setting, this could be as little as getting a good grade on a homework assignment or as big as facing that fear that the individual has been struggling with. So I think that this would be a pretty easy thing for me to bring into a group counseling setting. I think that the hardest leadership skill for me to incorporate in my own leadership style is cutting off (Jacobs, Schimmel, Masson, & Harvill, 2016). I am a listener by instinct, I could listen to someone talk for hours especially if it is something that they feel strongly about. So I think finding a way to effectively cut someone off when they are going over their time (or if they are off-topic) is an important skill when facilitating a group, in order to make sure that all members get their chance to share and contribute. It is an important balancing act of making sure everyone gets to talk while also staying on the topic because it can really throw off the dynamic of a group if there is just one member constantly overpowering everyone else. So being able as a leader to turn that into a more constructive conversation is crucial for maintaining the group’s purpose and making sure the members feel heard.

This week focused on the nature of leadership, power, and how skills vary in group dynamics. Jacob et al. (2016) discussed basic relationship skills essential for leading a group. As a democratic leader, I trust those I lead and allow subordinates to work without constant supervision. Of all the different skills described in Group Counseling Strategies and Skills, active listening would be the easiest skill for me to incorporate into my leadership style.

Corey et al. (2014) state that active listening entails listening to one’s content, voice, and body language. My coworkers have validated that I am a mindful listener and feel supported and at ease when I lead. This active listening skill is helpful and can create a safe environment for group members to express concerns.

On the contrary, blocking can create an environment of hostility when implemented incorrectly. According to Jacobs et al. (2016), “to lead an effective group, a leader must be willing and able to cut off members when necessary” (p.176). Blocking is a difficult skill for me to implement into my leadership style. If misused, it can be interpreted as rude or unapproachable, which may hinder my group’s effectiveness and role as a leader.

Forsyth (2019) states that groups often require guidance in striving to reach goals. The group leader consistently coordinates, motivate, and sustain the group. Leadership theorists assume that effectiveness depends on the leader’s task and relationship behaviors (Forsyth, 2019). For a group to succeed, the leader must maintain interpersonal bonds that sustain the group and understand how obedience, power, and status influence leaders and group members.

Exodus 18:13-26 explains Moses being warned of the need to delegate work to others, lest not to wear himself. God helped Moses not by removing the burden but by surrounding him with people empowered to help. God does the same for us, but it is up to us to harness our subordinates’ gifts and talents to carry the burden and accomplish the mission. In trusting my subordinates, I can rest assured that God will empower them to help me as a leader.

Corey, G., Corey, M. S., & Haynes, R. (2014). Groups in action: Evolution and challenges (2^nd

ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage. (DVD and workbook).

Forsyth, D. R. (2019). Group dynamics (7th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage.

Jacobs, E. E., Schimmel, C. J., Masson, R. L., & Harvill, R. L. (2016). Group counseling:

Strategies and skills(8th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage.