Discussion Thread: Group Leadership Skills

Through the course materials, you have learned about how to effectively lead a group session. Which of the different skills described and demonstrated by Jacobs et al. and Corey et al. do you feel would be the easiest and the hardest, respectively, for you to incorporate into your own group leadership and why? In your replies, integrate perspectives on group leadership and performance, as presented by Forsyth.

Discussion Assignment Instructions
You will post one thread that is about 400
words When addressing each assigned topic, you must incorporate relevant ideas
from the reading assignments. Avoid repeating the same ideas across several
posts. Threads must demonstrate course-related knowledge and assertions must be supported
by references in current APA format. Use of first
person and single-spaced formatting is appropriate in Discussions, while
inclusion of headings/subheadings is not. Threads must be well written, well
organized, and focused.

DSamples on how the thread should be written
Sample 1
There are several skills that a counselor must understand and be able to demonstrate if they are to
effectively lead a group session. Some of these skills may be easy to incorporate into a
leadership style while others may prove to be more difficult. I believe the easiest skills for me to
incorporate when leading a group would be clarification and questioning. The purpose of this
skill is to assist members clarify their statements (Jacobs, Schimmel, Masson, & Harvill, 2016).
The clarification of statements can benefit the speaking member or the entire group (Jacobs, et
al, 2016). I feel these skills would be easiest for me because I naturally ask a lot of questions. I
like to gather as much detailed information as possible so that my response is informed. The
skill of Coleading is the skill that I feel would be the hardest for me. Coleading has many
benefits including assistance with planning, ideas, and adding a different point of view (Jacobs
et. al, 2016). Even with these benefits I will be nervous about how the group would be affected
if our leadership styles were just too different to conduct a successful group. Although I think it
would be hard, I would not be against trying a Coleading group because I feel it is an opportunity
to learn from another professional. Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who
rejects reproof leads others astray (Proverbs 10:17, ESV).
Great Leader Theory states that there are characteristics and personality traits that individuals
possess rendering them natural leaders (Forsythe, 2019). I agree with this theory and feel that it
is easy to recognize these characteristics in the people we choose to follow. The style that the
leader uses will depend on whether they place more concern on production or people (Forsythe,
2019). An effective leader will value both (Forsythe, 2019). Within groups, obedience, power,
and status can influence group members as well as leaders. Many leaders will emerge based on
the desire for power and social status (Forsythe, 2019).
References
Forsyth, D. R. (2019). Group dynamics (7th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage.
Jacobs, E. E., Schimmel, C. J., Masson, R. L., & Harvill, R. L. (2016). Group counseling:
Strategies and skills (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage.

Sample 2

Groups generally require guidance as they strive to reach their goals, and the individual
who coordinates and motivates the group can fundamentally shape the groups future (Forsyth,
2015, p. 277). A leader should possess born leadership qualities or obtain the skills needed
through acquired trainings. A good leader should be able to communicate with others and instill
confidence. A good leader should be able to lead effective groups using specific skills acquired
through trainings. Numbers 27:15-17 (KJV) Moses spoke to the Lord, saying, “Let the Lord, the
God of the spirits of are flesh, appoint a man over the congregation who share go out before
them and come in before them, who shall lead them out and bring them in, that the congregation
of the Lord may not be as sheep that have no shepherd.”
Jacobs et al. demonstrated the use of basic leadership skills such as: use of eyes, linking,
self-disclosure and tone during the video. As a human service professional, I would find it easier
to incorporate the “use of eyes” and “tone setting” as a part of my leadership style while leading
groups. I have discovered that when leading groups and even talking to individual people, it is
very important to make eye contact because they are more likely to look at you, are more likely
to listen to you and more likely to buy into what you have to say. Jacobs, Schimmel, Masson, and
Harvill (2016) the leader needs to be aware of how his eyes can gather valuable information,
encourage members to speak, and possibly deter members from speaking (p. 141). Also, setting
the tone for any group, would be easier for me to do. It is important to begin every group setting
a positive tone because it determines how the group will go. Telling group members in a firm but
calm voice what will be tolerated and not tolerated sets the mood. It is important to realize that
the leader sets the tone by his actions and words and what is allowed to happen (Jacobs,
Schimmel, Masson, & Harvill, 2016, p. 138). What leadership skills I would find more difficult
to incorporate into my leadership style would be “self-disclosing”. I usually lead a very personal
life and disclosing personal things about myself, I would not be comfortable with disclosing to
those I am trying to help. Jacobs et al. (2016) states that “frequent self-disclosure may in fact, be
distracting and confusing to the members” (p. 141).
Corey et al. demonstrated leadership skill of “coleading” and “use of voices” throughout
the video. Coleaders often bring different points of view and varied life experiences to the group,
providing members with alternative sources of opinions and information on issues (Jacobs et al,
2016, p. 150). I would find it easier to colead a group because coleading gives group members
the opportunity to understand group topics in various ways. Also, something I may not be
knowledgeable about, the other leader will have more knowledge. Corey et al. focused on
interpersonal relations among other members. Forsyth (2015) uses the term “relationship
leadership”; this is where the group leader increases socioemotional satisfaction and treatment.
The leader boosts moral, gives support, and encouragement, reduces interpersonal conflict, helps
members to release negative tensions, establishes rapport, and shows concerns and consideration
for the group and its members (p. 283). During this group, the skill of “scanning for nonverbal
cues” would be harder for me. I always like to look at people when they are talking. Jacobs et al.
(2016) states “that group leaders find it difficult to do because it is natural to look at people when
they are talking,” (p. 142).

Sample 3

When dealing with any kind of group, you find out that they require guidance as they
strive to reach their goals, and the individual who coordinates and motivates the group can
fundamentally shape the groups future (Forsyth, 2015, p. 277). Research shows that there
will be conflict within a group. This occurs for many different reasons but primarily due to
the fact that individuals are used to completing tasks or making decisions independently
rather than within a group. In groups, they require guidance as they strive to reach their goals
and the individual who coordinates and motivates the group can primarily shape the groups
future (Forsyth, 2015, p. 277). Jacobs et al. demonstrated the use of basic leadership skills
such as: use of eyes, linking, self-disclosure and tone during the video. As a youth counselor,
I would find it easier to incorporate the “use of eyes” and “tone setting” as a part of my
leadership style while leading groups. I have discovered that when leading a group or even
talking to people individually the skill of “scanning for nonverbal cues” would be harder for
me. It is very important to make eye contact not to make the talker to be shy but for the
person to know that I am actually interested in what they have to say because they felt that
contact being made with them. Leaders should recognize when conflict within the group will
arise. While one member is speaking, the leader may view the reactions of other members in
regards to the speakers word of view. An individuals facial expression can be a prime
giveaway of their emotions (Corey, Corey, & Haynes, 2014).
The leadership skill that I would find more difficult to incorporate into my leadership
style would be “self-disclosing”. Since I am a very private person and I dont tell people my
personal issues I dont think I would be comfortable with disclosing to those I am trying to
help. Jacobs et al. states that frequent self-disclosure may be distracting and confusing to
members (Jacob et al. 2016 p. 141). According to Forsyth, the term relationship leadership is
where the group leader increases socio emotional satisfaction and treatment. The leader gives
support, and encouragement, but reduces interpersonal conflict which helps members to
release negative tensions, create a communication pattern between them (Forsyth 2015, p.
283).
Reference
Corey, G., Corey, M. S., & Haynes, R. (2014). Groups in action: Evolution and challenges
(2nd ed.).Boston, MA: Cengage
Forsyth, D. R. (2015). Group dynamics (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage.
Jacobs, E. E., Schimmel, C. J., Masson, R. L., & Harvill, R. L. (2016). Group counseling:
Strategies and skills (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage

Please use the same references in these samples

Reading Assignment
Forsyth, D. R. (2019). Group dynamics (7th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage. Chapter 10
Jacobs, E. E., Schimmel, C. J., Masson, R. L., & Harvill, R. L. (2016). Group counseling: Strategies and skills (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage. Chapters 8 & 9

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