Small Group Development and Dynamics
7 Why Groups Fail
Amber Green
Even the best of groups struggle with cohesiveness and trust. It is important for group members to feel comfortable and empowered in the small group process. However, many times, group members fail to build trust and subsequently do not achieve their common goals.
In order for group members to build trust, you need to interact with each other as much as possible, even in a virtual environment. With the impact of COVID-19 on student learning and engagement, group cohesiveness is vital to the success of small groups in college settings and the workplace. There are many opportunities for the group members to engage with each other and build solid relationships. Your group members can start a text message group chat (or use another social media platform), you can schedule virtual meetings, or you can informally meet up (in-person/virtually) in order to begin the self-disclosure process. These three steps will assist your group in developing cohesiveness and trust in the team-building process.
First, in order to build trust, small group members must begin a self-disclosure process. When you meet your group members for the first time, the experience might feel awkward; however, this first step is vital in breaking the ice and sharing basic demographic information. As the group continues to work together, you will notice the uneasiness subside and your group will begin to get the work done.
Second, groups that fail to achieve their common goal(s) typically do not self-disclose information about themselves; therefore, they mask their authentic self in the group meetings. This lack will cause issues such as groupthink and isolation. Group members might feel intimidated by more aggressive members of the group or members that hold more power (financial power, expert power, or reverent power). If group members do not agree on a common goal, the group will likely fail.
Lastly, it is important to consider each of your group members’ skills, talents, and personality traits and allow each member to bring their best to the group meetings and/or collaboration sessions. During these sessions, group members should consider the following:
- Share your thoughts and ideas with your group – even if you are unsure of their reaction
- Avoid engaging in cliquish behavior – engage with all members of the small group and avoid gossiping behind each other’s backs
- Address concerns (early and often) – voice your concerns in a meeting and offer suggestions for improvement
- Stick to the common goal – if the goal needs to be changed, verbalize this to the whole group
- Check in with members early and often
- Consider an alternative form of communication for addressing concerns (if group members are not comfortable with face-to-face communication, what is another way to disclose? Examples: group chat, text messages, email, etc.).
