Up until now, I have focused doubts on the arrival of a person to a
previously formed group. However, we are now going to look at how every
member of the group feels the first time they arrive in a group, be it
school, an association, work....
I have already mentioned anxiety. The members want to know the names of
their colleagues and they want to know them as people. They want to
know their personality, things they have in common, differences,...in
brief, they want to have things in common with one or other group
member.
This first group contact is fundamental for the development othe group.
The coordinator must be aware of the fears and doubts that we have
previously mentioned. Therefore, the coordinator should appear close
and understanding, especially, in the first few days the group is
together. In these first days, the coordinator should employ
presentation techniques and games which we will see now. These
activities should follow a series of guidelines which I will now
comment on:
1.) Explain the context and objectives of the activity to the new group
The objectives will be difeferent if you are dealing
development with a class or a work meeting. The coordinator needs to
carry out a general evaluation of the objectives depending on the
function of the group. At this stage the coordinator has the
opportunity to clarify determined aspects that should be clear from the
start.
The coordinator needs to be attentive to the group's gestures and
questions and dispel all possible doubts as soon as they arise. By
doing this the coordinator will promote trust amongst group members.
2.) Presenting Yourself
The coordinator should be the first person you get to
know, his name, determined facts, for example, age, place of birth,
marital status, academic and professional career, likes, dislikes...
which in turn will encourage the res of the group to make a similar
presentation. This way, the group, with the respect that he deserves
for his age or experience in determined fields. They will also see him
as on understanbles and approachable person. I recommend that you carry
out presentation activities in a circle, as long as the games and
techniques allow this set up. Sat or stood in a circle means that all
of the group members are at the same level and you can see everyone's
faces.
3.) The Mirror
The group coordinator is the mirror in which the rest of the group
members will look into. Their attitude and behaviour are very
interesting for the rest of the group. Some people will have similar
behaviour. The coordinator is the perfect model to follow.
