The hardest group leadership skill for me to apply would be cutting off members
Chris Vandorn
The hardest group leadership skill for me to apply would be “cutting off” members when they get long-winded or off-topic. This skill does not come naturally to me because I had been taught at an early age that cutting off people while they are talking was rude and disrespectful. I anticipate this skill to feel uncomfortable and awkward at first, but with practice, it can be an effective skill in a group session if used mindfully and properly. I think it will be critical for me as an emerging group leader to be fully present and keenly aware of the person speaking, the topic being discussed, and the demeanor of other members of the group. Two important points for me to consider that will help me to cut off members skillfully are “timing” and “use of voice” (Jacobs et al., 2016, p. 177). Understanding the appropriate time to cut off members will help reduce the chance of interrupting an important comment which may cause a member to feel frustrated or angry (Jacobs et al., 2016). I will also need to be cognizant of the tone of voice I use when cutting off to ensure that the overall tone of the group session remains positive.
The easiest group leadership skill for me to apply would be “modeling and self-disclosure”. I believe that being authentic and sharing personal experiences can be beneficial in developing trust and strengthening rapport with the members of the group. Jacobs et al. (2016) state “your self-disclosure also indicates that you are human and that you have dealt with many of the same issues in your life that members are presently exploring” (p. 140). Even though this can be an effective skill, it must be used with caution. Leaders who self-disclosure too often could draw unnecessary attention to themselves and become a distraction to the group (Jacobs et al., 2016).
Reference
Jacobs E. E., Schimmel C. J., Masson R. L., & Harvill R. L. (2016). Group counseling: strategies and skills (8th Edition). Cengage learning
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