Stage of the group

Demonstrated by

Facilitator's task

Examples of exercises
used to achieve this

Beginning

· Slight discomfort in the atmosphere
· Participants talk mostly to those they already know
· Participants may sit silently isolated from one another

To "speed up" the process whereby participants become acquainted so that they can begin working effectively

Icebreakers

Clarification and Consensus

· More interaction among participants
· Communication still "guarded"

To clarify the task and how the group will need to work collaboratively towards achieving it

Expectations
Ground rules

Focusing on the Task

· Most individual concerns become less apparent as participants focus on the task at hand
· Collaborative atmosphere
· Appropriate humour

To assist the group to achieve its work-focused goals

Scenarios
Case studies
Analytical Exercises
Action Planning Tools

Ending

· Warmth among participants
· Expressed desire for social interaction

To provide an appropriate means for participants to appreciate themselves and others and to "complete" the workshop process

Evaluation
Ending exercises