Task and Maintenance Behaviors

In high functioning groups most of the time is spent on getting things done, but some time is spent on group maintenance. Groups that ignore relationships often find that tension builds and they become less effective, accomplishing fewer tasks. Some helpful task and maintenance behaviors for groups are:

Helpful Task Behaviors

1. Making proposals
2. Building on another member’s proposals
3. Asking questions to clarify or seek information or opinions
4. Sharing information and opinions
5. Raising concerns or doubts about how to address an issue
6. Summarizing
7. Testing understanding
8. Testing for agreements
9. Stating the most important criteria for a good solution

Helpful Group Maintenance Behaviors

1. Encouraging others in ways that support, agree with, or recognizes the contributions of others.
2. Stating common ground between two seemingly opposing positions.
3. Looking at where the group stands in relation to achieving its desired outcomes.
4. Relieving tension through jokes, suggesting breaks, or proposing fun approaches to group work.
5. Honestly sharing ones feelings without blaming others.

Taken in part from Mining Group Gold, by Thomas Kayser (pp. 86 – 91)

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