Participant Behaviors
It is interesting and informative to 
categorize group behavior.  
The simple asking of a question, 
for example, can be interpreted 
in a number of different ways:  information 
seeker, tension reliever, aggressor, or 
recognition seeker, to name only a few.		 Group Task Roles
  • Initiator
  • Information Seeker
  • Information Giver
  • Opinion Seeker
  • Opinion Giver
  • Elaborator/Clarifier
  • Coordinator
  • Diagnostician
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    Group Vitalizing Roles 
    (They use Igniter phrases below.)
    • Encourager
    • Harmonizer
    • Gatekeeper
    • Expediter
    • Standard setter
    • Follower
    • Tension reliever
    Igniter Phrases 
    (Build people and get things started)
    I agree!
    I looked at this last night and I really like it.
    I made a mistake.  I'm sorry.
    Lets go!
    That would be interesting to try.
    Things are beginning to pop.
    There has been some good thinking going on.
    I'm glad you brought that up.
    That's a winner.
    I appreciate what you have done.
    Let's start a new trend.
    I know it will work.
    I never thought of that.
    Say that again!
    Let's get right on it.
    Good for you!
    I look forward to these meetings.
    We are lucky to have so much brain power.
    I didn't know this was going to be fun!
    You're in high gear.
    Really good!  Anyone else?    		 Anti-Group roles  
    (They use Killer phrases below.)
    • Aggressor
    • Blocker
    • Recognition seeker
    • Dominator
    • Avoider
    • Special Interest Pleaser
    • Deserter
    Killer Phrases 
    (How to destroy ideas and creative thinking)
    A swell idea, but...
    We've never done it that way.
    It won't work
    We haven't the time.
    It's not in the budget
    We've tried that before.
    Not ready for it yet.
    Good idea, but our school is different.
    Too hard to administer.
    There are better ways than that....
    You haven't considered...
    It needs more study...
    Let's discuss it some other time.
    You don't understand the problem.
    We're too big for that.
    The new teachers won't understand.
    We have too many projects now.
    Let me add to that...
    Let's be practical.
    Let's form a committee.
    Let's shelve it for the time being.
    Obstructive Roles in Groups
  • Shutting Off:  silencing a member by interrupting, changing the subject, or putting down
  • Analyzing:  putting labels on or suggesting motives for another's behavior
  • Dominating:  taking over a meeting & preventing others from contributing.
  • Yes-butting:  seeming to agree or respect another's position before arguing against its validity
  • Naysaying:  being negative about ideas or suggestions before they are really considered.
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