Shaping group dynamics to enhance team performance
This note summarizes group dynamics concepts and shows leaders how to apply them to improve the performance of their teams. Understanding group dynamics is essential for effective communication, decision-making and collaboration within teams. The BART framework, which consists of Boundaries, Authority, Role and Tasks, helps leaders analyze and improve their teams’ dynamics and performance. Additionally, leaders should consider other group dynamic concepts such as role dynamics, dependency dynamics, power dynamics, fight-or-flight dynamics, unconscious biases, thought-limiting language, hidden agendas, in-groups and alliances and groupthink. These factors can impact team performance, making it crucial for leaders to recognize and address them to create a positive environment in which the team can thrive. By understanding the key ideas of group dynamics and implementing strategies to foster collaboration, communication and productivity, leaders can develop high-performing teams and guide them toward success.
- Apply the BART framework (Boundaries, Authority, Role and Tasks) to identify reasons why teams may be having challenges with group dynamics.
- Help team leaders identify and mitigate issues related to role dynamics, dependency dynamics, power dynamics, fight-or-flight dynamics and unconscious biases within their teams.
- Develop strategies for fostering effective communication and collaboration.
- Enhance awareness of thought-limiting language, hidden agendas and in-groups.
- Identify and prevent groupthink, its potential consequences, and how to encourage diverse perspectives and critical thinking to prevent poor decision-making within teams.
Cranfield University
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