Reading the unwritten rules of Group Dynamics
Anagha Prabhu
Partner - Excelia EduServices LLP I Trained 1000's of US CMA Candidates I CMA (USA), PGDBM, Leadership & Management - LSBA | Director - IMA Mumbai Chapter
At any meeting or conference, we tend to witness a whirlwind of handshakes and introductions. As small groups form, it's easy to get swept up in small talks and initial connections. However, before diving in, let’s take a moment to understand the group dynamics at play.
Group settings always evoke a range of emotions, so it’s important to take a note of the existing culture and spirit.
Is it hierarchical?
Is it competitive?
Do they believe in fostering collaboration?
Do they operate with a strong emphasis on bureaucracy?
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Is there a tendency towards adopting a passive-aggressive approach?
Is the group innovative and socially responsible?
As time passes, we realize that recognizing the emotional climate is crucial because it’s very contagious and can slowly impact how we voice our opinions, how we make our decisions and the way we function together as a team. ?
Secondly, in such settings we unconsciously adapt to group norms and beliefs because we know we are working towards a shared goal. I believe that this tendency of social conformity can at times hinder our ability to think independently and critically. I have witnessed people exaggerate their agreement with other's viewpoints with the sole intent of solidifying their place within the group. An important aspect of this set up is its power structure. We need to be observant of who holds a significant influence, and which set of individuals are less vocal. If we want to get clues about what values and standards are upheld, notice what actions are appreciated, what is not appreciated, what is ignored and what is let go of. Take a step back and check if these values align with yours.
Another subtle space to look into is whether we are continuously sensing the pressure to conform to rapid decision-making. One needs to be mindful of this style if it occurs on a regular basis and assess whether this will work with how they function.
Overall, every group has already established certain implicit rules and expectations. The key is to identify if we can fit into it. If yes, we can continue by preserving our own unique style and also adopt the new culture.
Understanding the dynamics of a new team environment is crucial for success in any role. Your insights on navigating these unspoken rules are valuable for both new hires and seasoned professionals. Building strong team cohesion is key to achieving business goals effectively. For more strategies on optimizing team dynamics and achieving business success, check out our page—it’s packed with insights for startups and B2B businesses like yours!
Financial Analyst | Financial Reporting | US-GAAP|IFRS |Speaker Networking| Helping Companies leverage the power of Reporting by Exhibiting the Ethical Standards
9 个月Loved the insights Anagha Prabhu ! Thanks for sharing
Global Director at IMA-USA, Independent Director, Professional, Mentor & Academician with Industry Oriented Approach
9 个月Well written Anagha Prabhu . I feel one needs to settle down first with the new environment, new team before he/she could reach to a conclusion on right or wrong. It's like playing out the danger hour in Cricket test match when the ball is swinging & bouncing. Once we settle down, questions must be asked at right forum remembering glass half full and elephant in the room story. Yes , keeping quiet and giving silent approval is professionally & ethically wrong. So keep your eyes n ears open and speak when it matters the most.