Role allocation – see “What are the differing roles adopted in a team?” • How disagreements should be managed – see “What Can You Do When Things Go Wrong?”
Back to Frequently Asked Questions How can we break the barriers that exist when a group gets together? It is important to understand that “barriers” are very common in newly formed groups. This is because most members are apprehensive and are keen to make the “right” impression. For the barriers to be broken, open communication is needed. Ensure that the communication processes of the group are discussed when the group is forming. You can ask if people have had successful group experiences before and find out what communication processes were used in those groups. You can explore each individual’s communication style and what they expect from others in the group. Make sure everyone has the chance to speak. If someone is a bit shy, try to include him or her in the discussion. Shy people often want to participate but lack the confidence to have their say. Humour is also a great way to break the barriers and help members feel more comfortable with each other. People love to hear funny st
