Constructive Group Dynamics: How to Go from the S.N.I.P.P.Y. Syndrome to a C.L.E.A.R. V.I.E.W.

If asked to look at your work calendar for the week, the odds are pretty good that you have a few if not several meetings already scheduled. Now, if asked how you feel about attending some of those meetings, the odds are even better that you may either roll your eyes, groan or mutter something under your breath. Sound familiar so far? Okay, that was the easy part.

Coming from a background of 20 years in the corporate world, I can readily identify with attending a surplus of meetings. Additionally, I know all too well how employees come to "dread" going to meetings and clearly I fell into that category as well. But now in retrospect, I've come to learn a few things, as we often do once we step back and reflect. After reading this article, you'll have a better understanding of what causes meetings to break down-- (S.N.I.P.P.Y) syndrome and an alternative (C.L.E.A.R. V.I.E.W.).

See if you can relate to any of the following statements:

1. Look, I've invested a lot of time on this idea and
if we can't move on it, I'll have wasted my time. Self-serving

2. We never get anything done in this meeting, anyway. Negativity

3. We have to enforce this policy so people know right
from wrong. Insisting

4. Can you believe how domineering she is in these
meetings--who hired her, anyway? Provoking

5. Given our roles in the company, I think it's obvious
that I should make the final decision. Power driven

6. If you would let others speak once in a while, it would
be helpful. You statement

As human beings, it's easy for all of us to fall into any of these behaviors from time to time. What's more problematic however, is being unaware of our behavior and the effect we have on others in the workplace. As we know, like the "common cold," our attitudes can be contagious. The reason for this is something called the interaction cycle. The interaction cycle addresses how we interact with others and this impacts the quality of our relationships.

The key components of the interaction cycle include:

a. Values/Expectations/Mindset: these form our initial impressions.
b. Selective Perception: a filtering function that only lets in what matches our initial impressions.
c. Feelings: a range of negative to positive thoughts triggered by our perceptions.
d. Action: our feelings ultimately influence our behaviors.
e. Reaction: others respond to us by the way we act, so their behavior is in fact the result of what we send out.

What we know then is that behavior breeds behavior. Now, it's starting to make some sense as to why we and others act as we do. But, the more critical issue is figuring out what can be done.

This brings us to a C.L.E.A.R. V.I.E.W. which is as follows:

C = Concentrate on the listener
L = Listen with the goal of understanding
E = Eliminate judgmental attitudes
A = Actively listen (paraphrase what you believe someone said)
R = Respect differences
V = Value input offered by others
I = I messages (describing someone's behavior and its effect on you)
E = Encourage participation from others
W = Work towards agreement (build on what others say and then add your input)

Wouldn't you rather have a C.L.E.A.R. V.I.E.W. than the S.N.I.P.P.Y. syndrome? Change is a gradual process; however with increased insight and the right tools, we can all make a contribution towards constructive group dynamics. After all, why dread something that we could ultimately look forward to?

Contact information: www.speech-matters.com; dale@speech-matters.com

Dale Klein is a Corporate Communication & Speech Specialist and is the owner of SPEECH MATTERS. When it comes to ensuring you speak with power, professionalism and polish, you'll want to contact Dale Klein to get results at http://www.speech-matters.com or call 518-664-6004.

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Landscaping Business; Employee Relations

There are few industries or service type businesses, which are... Read More

Business Team Building Strategy In The Jungle

"Tak kenak! Tak kenak!" "Adak Orang sanak!????"The quiet jungle has... Read More

How to Align Your Team through Change

Eight Principles for Purposeful AlignmentEffective teamwork requires individual members of... Read More

Leadership ? Do The Simple But Important Things

Why do we human beings complicate things? Is it that... Read More

Team and Organizational Survival Strategies for Turbulent Economic Times

Survival: The Name of the New Economic Game People rarely... Read More

How the P.R.I.D.E. Team Changed my Call Center

Several years ago I took an assignment as a Manager... Read More

Cross-Cultural Communication: Grin and Jump In!

Multiculturalism is a reality in North America and for those... Read More

Your Administration Team - Look After Them

In most organisations the administration/support team, although they can be... Read More

4 Tips for Keeping a Team Motivated

Companies often have incentives for reps, but sometimes that isn't... Read More

How Does Personal Development Help in Business?

Teams run most businesses and teams work best if each... Read More

You, Your Team, and Your Coach

The grand purpose of coaching is to help your managers,... Read More

Building Teams -You see it everywhere

A college football team has it. A corporation has it.... Read More

You are Excused from Training

Trainers, please picture this... You are presenting in a new... Read More

Team Building Part 2: Honesty is the Key!

The second in a series of 2 articles giving a... Read More

How to be Healthier and Happier In Your Organisation

Did you know your work environment can actually make you... Read More

Teaming - How to Build a Team

Team building takes work but the results are worth it.... Read More

Collaboration Software - Building an Office Without Walls

The rise of the internet has given businesses a new... Read More

Team Success with ?Innies?: Why You Want Them on Your Team and How to Help Them Excel

Everyone knows, works or lives with "innies." Who are they... Read More

Motivate People with Feedback

Someone once said - "Feedback is the breakfast of champions."... Read More

Business Innovation ? Effective Team Structures

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

Joy and Laughter in the Workplace: Lessons From the Land of OZ

Turbulent TwistersYou've read about it in the headlines and experienced... Read More

Building Teams

Young minds are quite easy to shape. International Terrorist recruiters... Read More

How To Encourage Ideas From Your Team At Meetings

You're at a meeting with key staff. You want some... Read More

Why It Pays to Out More Humor in the Workplace

1. Humor reduces stress levels and stress is the number... Read More

Constructive Group Dynamics: How to Go from the S.N.I.P.P.Y. Syndrome to a C.L.E.A.R. V.I.E.W.

If asked to look at your work calendar for the... Read More

High Performing Teams: 10 Things You Want To Know About Building A High Performing Team

"Conflict becomes politics, commitment becomes 'Only if it's in my... Read More

Marche, or How Teams Work.

On the trail in Northern Canada "Marche" was the word... Read More

Team Work

There's nothing that matches the power of teamwork to accomplish... Read More

How Leaders Unlock Potential in Teams

Leaders are faced with unlocking the potential in the people... Read More

Effective Team Building For Organizational Success

"Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common... Read More

People Are The Heart Of Your Organization

Do you let your people express their thoughts about the... Read More

Story Telling With a Purpose

For a brief time, I tried to sell life insurance.... Read More

Employee and Coworkers Gifts

Giving gifts to your co-workers or your employees can be... Read More