Reference no: EM133213563

Assignment - Leadership Discussion and Response

1. The Role of a Group Leader-mezzo

What is the role of a group leader? According to your Introduction to Group Work Practice text, what behaviors define an effective group leader?

2. Response Guidelines- mezzo

Respond to at least one learner. In your response, explaining how a leader's behavior might also impede the group's process, in relation to his or her answer. Respond to student...LANA" Leadership is the process of guiding the development of the group and its members (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). The role of a group leader is to create a safe space and opportunity for growth and problem solving, guide and support its members in their goals, and empower members and distribute leadership opportunities among the members. The most impactful and effective leaders I have had have demonstrated these skills and abilities, and left me feeling capable and empowered. They have shown me that I can trust in them and communicate honestly and openly with them. According to Toseland and Rivas (2017), effective leadership is reciprocal, transactional, transformational, cooperative, and adaptive. Reciprocal, because the leaders and members influence each other. Transactional because the leaders and members work together and exchange ideas, skills, and effort. Effective leadership is transformational because it empowers, motivates, and builds up the members and unites the group in common values and goals. Leadership is a cooperative process through mutual respect and shared goals. Adaptive, because good leaders are able to adapt to new situations and be flexible to meet the needs of the members. Toseland, R.W., & Rivas, R.F. (2017). An introduction to group work practice (8th ed.). Pearson."

3. SYSTEMATIC COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT

Explain why a systemic approach to conceptualizing and assessing communities is necessary. Provide at least three reasons, supporting your claims with either course or additional credible resources. Apply your concepts to an example of assessing a community for needs.

4. Response Guidelines-macro

Respond to the post of at least one peer. Discuss how the five levels of interaction among service providers, as discussed in your text, can be helpful in the example provided by the primary author. Be specific in your discussion as it relates to the example. Respond to student justin "The primary task of a group leader is to guide the development of the group and help achieve the goals of the group members. Members rely on the group leader for guidance which gives the leader power and influence that can be used to empower group members. The influence of a group leader can be defined in two ways. Attributed power is based on group members' perceptions of the leader's ability to lead the group. Actual power describes the group leader's influence and resources for enacting change (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). Understanding their role and power helps a social worker facilitate group practice effectively.Transformational leadership is another concept that is associated with effective group practice. Transformational leadership empowers group members by promoting autonomy and individuality through the pursuit of individual, group, and organizational goals. Some traits of transformational leaders include high competency and trustworthiness, a vision that inspires and motivates members, stimulating creative thinking in group members, and understanding needs and goals to individualize group members. Although transformational leadership utilizes the power bases of the group leader, the result is group members who are inspired and empowered instead of just compliant (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). Leaders who are transformational are effective because they help group members develop skills that can be applied to other problems outside of the group.