Dr. Shirley J. Caruso, Ed.D.
Many factors such as group structure, the actions of the group leader, and diversity influence the performance of a group. Awareness, through temperament information, active listening, and feedback can help the group work to its fullest potential.
Temperament information could be utilized in an organizational setting to form effective groups in order to better accomplish organizational tasks. Potentially, groups can outperform individuals in doing similar work, make better decisions because they generate more information, and are more productive because synergies develop.
Active listening is necessary to communicate to the speaker that you are listening; to encourage the speaker to share information, ideas or feelings; to allow yourself to be used as a sounding board; when conflict management is needed; or where a person needs to hear how he/she is coming across.
Feedback is a way of learning more about ourselves and the effect our behavior has on others. If given skillfully, feedback increases our self-awareness and encourages our personal development.
Recognition of your own temperament, learning to recognize the temperaments of others, and practicing active listening and feedback will certainly prove to have a positive impact on group performance.
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