Constructive and Destructive Group Behaviors

Adapted from J. Brunt (1993). Facilitation Skills for Quality Improvement. Quality Enhancement Strategies. 1008 Fish Hatchery Road. Madison WI 53715

Constructive

• Cooperating — Is interested in the views and perspectives of the other group members and is willing to adapt for the good of the group.
• Clarifying — Makes issues clear for the group by listening, summarizing and focusing discussions.
• Inspiring — Enlivens the group, encourages participation and progress.
• Harmonizing — Encourages group cohesion and collaboration. For example, uses humor as a relief after a particularly difficult discussion.
• Risk Taking — Is willing to risk possible personal loss or embarrassment for the group or project success.
• Process Checking — Questions the group on process issues such as agenda, time frames, discussion topics, decision methods, use of information, etc.

Destructive

• Dominating — Takes much of meeting time expressing self views and opinions. Tries to take control by use of power, time, etc.
• Rushing — Encourages the group to move on before task is complete. Gets “tired” of listening to others and working as a group.
• Withdrawing — Removes self from discussions or decision-making. Refuses to participate.
• Discounting — Disregards or minimizes group or individual ideas or suggestions. Severe discounting behavior includes insults, which are often in the form of jokes.
• Digressing — Rambles, tells stories, and takes group away from primary purpose.
• Blocking — Impedes group progress by obstructing all ideas and suggestions. “That will never work because...”