D.
Dissolving Group Tensions
Contents
D.1.
Preamble
Every
group experiences periods of tension, which can have a very negative impact
on its early development - in any event, a relatively stormy time.
Tension may be related
to an imbalance in group development or its program; it is frequently
traceable to unresolved inter-personal or in-group issues. No group functions
well under these circumstancs; while some tensions eventually resolve,
others will stubbornly block any progress. They have the potential to
lie dormant and divide the group at a subsequent stage, so the tension
itself is best addressed as early as possible, like opening a pressure
valve – slowly and with a special implement.
The following games
can help the leader or moderator handle tension in a constructive manner
and move the group onwards to important issues. Tensions that are ventilated
are discharged; members will feel a sense of relief and the resulting
positive energies will input to the group spirit as a whole.
D.4.
Related Games
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