Transitional Stage of a Group, Research Paper Example

The transitional stage of the development of a group is characterized by feelings of anxiety and defense tactics among the members. During this stage, members are testing the leader of the group and the other members. They want to know how safe the group is and if the leader can be trusted. Members will at first struggle between wanting to play it safe, keeping detached and wanting to take the risk of diving in and becoming involved. There may be withdrawal, conflict, and awkwardness as members learn to express themselves in ways that others will really listen to. (Corey M., 2012)

Group members fears are often front and center during the transitional stage. Some common member fears are being afraid of making a fool of oneself, of emptiness, of losing control, becoming too emotional, of self-disclosure, of taking up too much of the group’s time, and of being judged by other members or the leader. (University of Iowa, 2012) These fears may lead some members to problematic behaviors within the group. Problematic behavior may include silence, monopolistic behavior, storytelling, giving advice, questioning, dependency, and intellectualizing. When dealing with difficult behaviors of group members during the transitional stage it is important for group leaders to respect that resistance, as it may be serving a purpose. Approach the resistance with interest, understanding, and compassion and focus on describing the behavior rather than interpreting it. (Corey M., 2012)

During the transitional stage there are certain functions the leader is tasked to fulfill. First, group leaders are there to teach members to respect resistance and work constructively with it by recognizing their own patterns of defensiveness. Leaders should show members how to recognize conflict situations and deal fully with the conflict situation. This is done most effectively by being a model for members to follow. (Clayton, 2012)

References

Clayton, A. (2012). What do you want to do with the Transition Stage of a Group? Retrieved July 19, 2012, from a-s.clayton.edu/egannon/Notes/PSYC%204150/

Corey M., C. G. (2012). Groups: Process and Practice (8th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning.

University of Iowa. (2012). Transition Stage. Retrieved July 19, 2012, from www.uiowa.edu/~c07c202/7-20-99/7-20-99.ppt