Day 6

Morning
The end is near. This is the final day of class as the exam is all we have tomorrow. There is a different air to the room today. It could be that 2 of the ‘screamers’ aren’t here yet. But the group has now learned to compensate for the lack of others participating. But it’s still a little lower volume.

All that we’ve learned comes to this: how to help or hinder a group. I guess it was good that we had some issues during the week on how to form the group. As we disclosed more, the level of interaction increased. Certainly I felt more comfortable in participating when I thought it was out of contributing and not covering for others not talking.

The group experiences have been good this week for me. I’ve felt like I’ve balanced more between participating and observing. I’m not really as talkative as some would think from. I’m actually an introvert when it comes to behavioural assessments like Myers Briggs.

We discuss how bad group behaviours can be transformed into helpful behaviours. I know that as I look at the Shostrum’s wheel that I identify with the inner (bad) behaviours first; either in myself or others I observe in groups. But I think I’m just labeling the bahaviour incorrectly.

In a group, I sometimes think I’m being too bossy or trying to take over the direction of the group; when really, I only do this when the group seems unfocused on the goals. I consciously now take a backseat to see if a group can self-direct, and then step in when I feel I want to. I think that now I know how to try and balance the participation with observation, I can better serve at group or team.

I’m not bossy, just leading.

Afternoon
The end is here! We begin the process of closure. There are certainly a few emotions flowing. I’m glad we’ve reached the end of journey. I learned a few things along the way. And it will be somewhat sad that I won’t be spending more time with this group of people.

I now see that when a group or team is disbanding or finishing a project that everyone may be feeling something different. Some may be glad it’s over, others sad, and even others may avoid it entirely.

I will also ensure that I give ample opportunities for unfinished business. I liked the idea that a reminder half way through lets members of the group know where they are in the task process. This is a good practice whether the group is meeting for weeks or hours.

I have experienced that many times after a group has disbanded, someone mentions that they had leftover business. Or they just offer an opinion about how they wish it had gone. If the group is well balanced in its behaviours, then the members have many chances to offer opinions, suggestions or influence to help shape or refocus the group.

So hopefully, as long as the team members are participating fully, then when the team comes to closure, they can do it cleanly. This is what we as a group in the class go through. I have mixed emotions, but mainly feel that the week had helped me grow as a person and a coach.

I came in to the class almost a week ago and I was not sure what I would learn or how I might integrate it into what I do. I now see that I can use this in many aspects of my life; it’s not just for improving my coaching in my consulting work, but in personal relationships, in my theatre teams, and at home.

It’s been a good week.