SampleTeachingOutline
GroupDevelopmentandDecisionMaking
Keri Wriglrt
COaL: To ProvideParticipantswith a frameworkfor understandingdecision-making
styles,stagesof group developmentandrelationshipbetweenthe two subjects.
OUTLINE:
I.
LeadershipPersonality Quadrants
II.
CategorizingDecisionMaking styles
ilI.
Choosinga DecisionMaking style
iV.
Stagesof Group Development
V.
Review
I. LeadershipPersonalitv Ouadrants
-How do I make decisions?
-Which melhod am I comfortable with?
-What do thesequadrantsmean in a group setting?
-Four quadrantsrepresentkey aspectsneededin functional groups.
-What doesthis mean when I am the group Leader?
-Preferredstyle is less important than the ability to move around the
quadrantsas needed.
DecisionMakine Stvles:
II. Cateeorizine
Directive
Leader decides and jnforms the group. Leader asks for paraphraseto make sure that he
or.she has been clear and that people know what is expected of them.
Consultative
Leader decides after consultationsor recommendationsfrom the group. There are two
ways to do this: theleader solicits the group ideas and recommendations, then decidesor
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final decision.
The followers shareequally in the decision making process. Vote: group decides by
voting. Leader has one vote, and no veto power except for safety. Consensus: whole
group comes to a decision that everyonecan support. Consensusmust be defined before
it is used.
Leader defines parametersand under what conditions he or she will intercede (if any),
then the group or individual makes dre decision without the leader.
III. Choosine'aDecisionMakine Style:
-When is eachstyle appropriate?
of accident,
Factorsto consider: possibilityof an accident,consequences
encv of the
and
Low Consequence
HighPossibiliry Think about it
Low Possibility
Okay
High Consequence
STOP
STOP
-HersheyBlanchard:
How To Choose Decision-Making Style
(Modified)
Based On Hersey-Blanchard
G;**l
fV. Stagesof Group Development:
1. Forming
Behavior: During this stagethe group initiaily joins together. People are
feeling out the group and how they fit in. Expectationsarehigh; there are
feelings of ambiguity and insecurity.
Decisions to be made; Establishcriteria for membership/expedition behavior,
goals and objectivesfor the group and the trip.
Decisiotr making style: The group will usually want guidance. The leader
should facilitate a safe environrnent.Direct the group without being
demaniling.
Z. Storming
Behavior: This stageis generally chracteized by someturmoil or conflict.
. Peopleare breaking group expectations. Sometimesthere is a struggle for
power.
Decisiortsto be made.' How will the group deal with conflict? What decision
making style doesthe group prefer?
Decision rnakingstyle: This is the time to educatethe group on various
decision-makingstyles. Do not allow one person in the group to make ail of
the decisions. Don't hold reignStoo tightly, but uphold values, enough
structureand high expectations.Allow the group to consult with you on
appropriateissues.
3. Norming
Behavior: The group becomespretty comfortable. Efforts for group
cohesion,negotiation,insights and growth are being developed.
Decisions to be ntade: What are the group "norms." Does the group work
togetherefficiently?
Decision making style: The $oup leams to effectively communicate and
make decisicnsin an effective and tinrely rnanner. Allow the group tc make
sife decisionsand come up with their own solutions
4. Performing
Behavior: Group becomesproductive, efficient and functional. Individual
strengthsare recognizedandutilized. There is a strong senseof group
collaboration,trust and cooperation.
Decisions to be made: The goup should now be a "self-sustainingu.nit,"
. capableof making all important decisionsaccording to their skill leyel and
knowledgebase..
Decision making style: The ieadershould now be able to step away and allow
the group to function alone, steppingin only for safety precautions. Delegate
most if not all decisionsto the group to make.
V. Review
1. What are the 4 decision.makingstyles?
2. What factors are consideredwhen deciding which decisionmaking style is
appropriate?
3. What are the stagesof group development? How doesthis apply to decisionmakins?
References
'
, Absolon, M. (Ed). (1999). NOLS Ililderness Edttcator Notebook National Outdoor Leadership Schoo!.
Drury J. & Bo:rney, F. (1992). The Backcountry Classroom. Old Saybrook, Ct Globe Pequot Press.
Gookin,'J., Dora, M. & Green, R (Eds). (2001). 2001 NOLS Leadership Education Toolbox. National Outdoor
LeadershipSchool.
Hurricnne Islarul Outward Bound lr\struc!or ManunI
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