Week 3 D-3 Group Roles

One thing that I found interesting after reading chapter 3 was the table 3.1 and the group roles. The part of the table that caught my eye the most was the column about the Group Maintenance Roles. It lists 7 different types. The first one was Encouraging. Encouraging is when you support others in the group and are positive towards them and praise them, it reinforces the group unity. Supporting was the next role. It’s when you support others ideas and accept their ideas/suggestions and contributions to the group. After that was Harmonizing which helps to relieve tension a group might have. It could be when a disagreement happens and someone suggest a compromise instead. Gatekeeping was an interesting role for me. It’s when the communication channels open, and its shyer member get the chance to talk. It makes sure that everyone is heard and offers their opinion to the group. Process Observing is the comment making on how a group is working, and they way in which people work together is commented on. Setting Standards is helping to set goals and standards for a group, which could include setting norms or suggesting how people should behave. The last role that was mentioned was Tension Relieving. That involves making jokes or using humor to relieve tension and helping new members feel welcome. Each of the roles are important for a group and can help it run more smoothly.