Description
For this week’s Application Assignment, you observe this element of art in action as you attend a group meeting and record and analyze your observations. As you prepare for this observation, review what you have explored so far regarding effective group leadership. Consider the types of behaviors and attitudes you expect of an effective leader and watch for these during your observation. Also, note the interactions among group members and how the group leader facilitates these interactions.
Finally, consider your own comfort level with the group. Is this a group you would enjoy leading? Why or why not? Is your emerging leadership style similar to the leader you observe? How might you lead differently, and why?
Note: Be sure to complete the Group Observation Consent Form before you attend the meeting and have a group representative sign the consent form at the meeting. The group representative signs as the participant and you sign as the student observer.
The Assignment (2–3 pages, not including the Group Observation Consent Form):
Write a summary of your group observation that includes the following:
- A brief description of the group that includes an identification of the group type
- A description of the group process that includes interactions and/or behaviors that supported effective group work and interactions and/or behaviors that hindered effective group work
- A description of the group leader’s leadership style
- An evaluation of the effectiveness of the group leader’s leadership style; include support for your evaluation
- An explanation of what you might do differently if you were the group leader and why
- A description of what you observed that most resonates with you and why
- A description of one way you might apply what you have observed in the group to your own work
