Group Meeting and Counseling

Introduction

My name is XYZ, and I proposed and led a group meeting about discussing “the importance of social skills in children and its effect on their academic performance.” The meeting was conducted on 4th August 2021 for one hour after school hours in one of the empty classrooms. The number of participants was three, other than me. There was no co-leader present in the group meeting. 

The group’s purpose was to discuss the role of children’s social skills and how they influence their academic performance. My role was to initiate the meeting and lead it, and for that, I had collected points for providing input in the meeting. My prior role was only to participate and speak on the topic when it would be my turn; however, the role changed when the other participants felt the need for a leader. Everyone gave their votes, and it was decided in the end, one day before the meeting, that I would be in charge. I had to regulate the others whenever there was a conflict to neutralize negative viewpoints for a healthy discussion. I had to ensure that every group member got a chance to speak and the others listened. No group member diverted from the proposal since we had to prepare for the upcoming presentation on the same topic for one of our courses. Having a group meeting was the best way of its preparation. 

                                            Group dynamics, Content and Process                           

The progression of the meeting took place effortlessly since everyone had prepared their part well. They knew what they had to speak and when to give inputs. The meeting rules were clarified to all members before the start of the meeting so that conflicts could be avoided. I, as a leader, explained to them that everyone must listen peacefully, and if there is any counterargument, the other member should speak in his turn by saying, “I do not agree with what Mr. ABC has said because.” These were specifications or group norms that were decided for the smooth functioning of the group. 

Since the group was formed to fulfill a common goal, which was discussing the topic for the upcoming presentation, the content was relevant to the decided topic. There was one leadership technique, conflict management, I utilized in the group meeting. At one instance, there was a clash between two group members about research, which was solved by me instantly since I had a tablet with me, and I run an internet search for it. It was soon revealed that one of those members was correct and the other was not about the information; I showed them the article and the information that caused disagreement. They both settled quickly, and the meeting resumed well.  

The group dynamics were satisfactory since every member knew their role, skills, and knowledge that they had to contribute and group cohesiveness since they communicated and interacted with each other with respect. Coordination, control, and creativity with their opinions from varying diversions on the same topic were witnessed in the group meeting. 

Self-Assessment

The main challenge I encountered was conflict management; although it was addressed promptly, I was fearful of any such situation even before the meeting started. I did not want anyone to feel enmity for others when they walked out of the room, merely because of the group meeting. However, I quickly handled the matter well; otherwise, both of the members would have continued arguing without the rest of us having any proof of the fact under discussion. We would have faced a dilemma where we could not take anyone’s side and would have sat quietly as spectators. 

Conclusion and Application

The most significant takeaway from the meeting is that avoiding interpersonal conflict within the groups should be guaranteed for the healthy functioning of the groups. A dysfunctional group cannot meet its unified goal as the relationships evolve within the group. The group should even work together to form a team with special characteristics of problem-solving, working positively, and bringing in more flexibility.