Planning the Group

Abstract

Having decided on the type of group and broad aims, the next step is to devote time to planning and the formation of the group. The future effectiveness of any group depends on thorough preparation and planning, which are complex tasks. To illustrate this complexity, how should groupworkers respond to contacts from group members between sessions? How should they divide their tasks or negotiate their authority with the group in a way which will not confuse the members or result in conflicts and tensions being played out in the group? How should members be selected and what should groupworkers do if too many or too few referrals are received? What is the inter-relationship between the group’s task and size? If this inter-relationship is misconstrued, some members may be left uninvolved or underinvolved in the group’s tasks which may prevent the group attaining its goals. Through planning the group practitioners can reflect on and decide their approach to questions concerning the group’s structure and operation. If insufficient time or thought is given to planning, leaders may find that their plans are too ambitious or too confusing and threatening for the members. Alternatively, they may experience their leadership as muddled and uncertain, with a consequent loss of confidence in their skills and abilities.