Practical Group Dynamics

Class notes

Notes for some of the weeks have been posted.

1. Communication methods
2. Securing groups against sociopaths and Machiavellians

An Experimental Course

• 7:30 to 9:30pm on Mondays
  • Starts: Monday, Feb 28

• Facilitator: Possum (possum@anarchistu.org)

• Location:
  • 774 Richmond Street W (South of Queen near Niagara)
  • Map

The primary motive for this class is for its participants to learn to see, and understand, group-dynamics in action, as well as be able to create an empowering affect on groups, whether in or out of a formal facilitator role. This class could be of benefit to anyone hoping to work with groups, such as activists, teachers or facilitators.

Secondary goals the class seeks to help people with are moving forward with an unfinished project, and becoming clearer on their own ethical stances when in complex social situations.

The first class will be an introduction to a few theories of social dynamics. It will include various views on egalitarian communication, such as formal consensus, active listening, and radical honesty. In addition, it will look at ethically controversial social-control techniques, such as Machiavellianism and NLP (neural linguistic programming), and whether there can be merits to using these techniques.

After the introductory class, the classes will be hands-on. Each class-participant will be responsible for facilitating one class, which will be divided into three parts. In part 1 the facilitator will present a project they're working on; in part 2, they will lead a round-table workshopping-session aimed at expanding the project and filling in holes; part 3 will be a meta-discussion, looking at whether the presentation was successful and analyzing the group dynamics.

Parts 1 and 2 will be exercises in presentation and collaboration. Part 3 will then use parts 1 and 2 as an example for the class to study and discuss social theories, such as the ones introduced in the first class.

Discussions are likely look at what went smoothly and what was a struggle in the class. Were people engaged? Did certain people tend to take over the class? Did some people feel left out of the discussion?

As well as practical logistics in the group, it is likely that we will encounter difficult ethical issues in our classes. Themes that are likely to be discussed are:

Is it ever right to exclude people from a discussion? What if their views are highly triggering to others in the group? Is it always right to be truthful in a group? What if your opinion is likely to be alienating to someone? Is it always bad to be manipulative in a group? What if a manipulative statement leads someone to overcome a bias? Is it ever a good idea to be openly angry in a group?

A comment on projects

While some people will already have explicit projects they are either working on or intending to begin, other people may not have something concrete. However, everyone should feel welcome to attend this class. Since the main focus of the class is on group interactions, "project" is used in a very general way, and everyone should be able to find something suitable to present and discuss.

Readings

A handout based from the selected works below will be given out at the first class. In addition selected sections of these readings may be read by the class. Which and how many readings there will be will depend on the nature of the class and their interests.

• How to Talk so Kids will Listen, and Listen so Kids Will Talk
  • by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish

• Leader Effectiveness Training
  • by Thomas Gordon

• On Conflict and Consensus
  • by CT Butler

• Communication in Action (workshop notes)
  • Lynn Adamson

• The Prince
  • by Machiavelli

• The 48 Laws of Power
  • by Robert Green

• Radical Honesty
  • by Brad Blanton

CommunicationMethods