Mastering Leadership: strategies for an Effective Group Management

​Working in a team is not always easy: different personalities, miscommunications and an unclear definition of roles are all aspects that can negatively impact the efficiency of the group. For this reason, the aim of this course was to learn a variety of skills that can both ensure team efficiency but also promote a positive environment in the workplace. By participating in this course our participants got some input on how to become better team leaders and team members while working with colleagues. 
 
The new edition of the course “Effective Group Management” took place in Palermo from 7/04/2024 to 20/04/2024. The participants came from Poland, with Maria, Antoni, Joanna, Maria, Adam, Kazimiera, Kamila, Jadwiga, Ewa, and Ryszard from Stowarzyszenie Rozwoju Klaja.

​The course was aimed to approach a variety of aspects that can apply to working in groups and leading teams. To do that, we had to establish what differentiates a group from a team, in order to learn that not all groups are team. Participants discovered the gradual stages a team is confronted with and the characteristics of each one so they can be aware of the best strategies to surmount tensions among them. 

​Another topic the participants had to tackle was the importance of team roles. They applied this aspect through various activities to undergo the difficulties that imply working together when roles and tasks are not well specified. This can generate lots of confusion and deteriorate team cohesion. The participants took an individual test about leadership styles to understand which leader they are. The relevance of emotional intelligence and empathy was also highlighted to learn how to receive the emotional response of the individuals of a group and how to answer to it. It allows for avoiding unnecessary stress to the team and adopting a growth mindset attitude. 

​During the second part of the course, we focused on assertiveness and communication and looked at four types of behaviors in a team. It led us to the notion of conflict management and how to effectively lead a team thanks to the basis of communication and the establishment of boundaries and empathy. The participants had to make an introspection to understand their values and how they affect them. 
​
Lastly, we confronted the themes of identity, prejudices, stereotypes, and discrimination. The aim was to confront the differences that can appear in a group, learn how to be aware of them and to break away from them by having critical thinking. 

The participants learned new strategies and tools they can apply in their teamwork, such as effective communication techniques, conflict resolution skills, and methods for fostering collaboration. Additionally, they explored leadership styles, emotions, and how to be assertive. The exchange of best practices, cultural activities and interactions among participants created a lively and enjoyable atmosphere.