Page 217 - Essentials of Human Communication

196 Chapter 10 Members and Leaders in Small Group Communication

sKiLL DeveLopMent experienCe

responding to individual roles

For each of the five individual roles, compose a response or two that you as a leader might make in order to
deal with this dysfunctional role playing. Be careful that your responses don’t alienate the individual or the
group.
Individual, dysfunctional roles responding to Individual roles
One major value of small The aggressor
group interaction is that The recognition seeker or self-confessor
everyone profits from
the insights of everyone The blocker
else; individual roles can The special interest pleader
get in the way. The dominator

Communication the group from achieving its goal and are individual rather than group oriented. Such
Choice point roles, often termed dysfunctional, hinder the group’s effectiveness in terms of both
Individual roles productivity and personal satisfaction. Here are some examples of individual roles:
In a group of workers, one ● The aggressor expresses negative evaluation of members and attacks the group:
member consistently plays the role of “That’s a terrible idea. It doesn’t make any sense.”
blocker, objecting to everything anyone
says. Another member plays the role of self- ● The recognition seekers and self-confessors try to focus attention on themselves,
confessor, revealing feelings no one wants boast about their accomplishments rather than the task at hand, and express their
to hear. What are some of the options that own feelings rather than focus on the group: “The system I devised at B&B was a
members have for dealing with individual role great success; everyone loved it. We should just go with that.”
players like these? ● The blocker provides negative feedback, is disagreeable, and opposes other members
or suggestions regardless of their merit: “You’re dreaming if you think that will work.”
● The special interest pleader disregards the goals of the group and pleads the case of some
special group: “This solution isn’t adequate; it doesn’t address the needs of XYZ.”
● The dominator tries to run the group or members by pulling rank, flattering members, or
acting the role of boss: “I’ve been here the longest; I know what works and what doesn’t
work.”
A popular individual role born on the Internet is trolling, the practice of posting mes-
sages that you know are false or outrageous just so you can watch the group members correct
you or get emotionally upset by your message. As in any group, behavior such as trolling or
flaming wastes time and energy and diverts the group from its primary objective.

MeMber PartICIPatIOn and skIlls
Here are several guidelines to help make your participation in small group communication
Watch the Video more effective and enjoyable.
“Group Project” at
MyCommunicationLab
be Group Oriented When participating in a small group, you serve as a member of a
team. You share common goals with the other group members, and your participation is
valuable to the extent that it advances this shared goal. In a team situation, you need to pool
your talents, knowledge, and insights to promote the best possible solution for the group.
Although a group orientation calls for the participation and cooperation of all group mem-
bers, this guideline does not suggest that you abandon your individuality, personal values, or
beliefs for the group’s sake. Individuality with a group orientation is most effective. And
because the most effective and the most creative solutions often emerge from a combination
of ideas, approach small group situations with flexibility; come to the group with ideas and