The Ladder of Group Interaction

There is an opportunity and potential for purpose in every group – even if it’s not self-evident at the start. Group work is an opportunity for each person to bring their perspective, play their unique role, and make a contribution. Each person has personal qualities, strengths, skills, a range of experiences, and a way of looking at things that is 100% unique. Forming groups gives us an opportunity to realise these qualities personally, and as a group.

Groups show us how we support each other….and how we don’t

Each interaction is an opportunity to realise what connects us. It also serves as a mirror to reflect what supports and what doesn’t.

Groups move up the ladder when the individual AND collective development is realised. When it’s avoided, ignored, or rejected, we move down the ladder.

When we connect ‘above the line,’ our focus is to progress the group for the benefit of ALL (including those involved and others who are not part of the group).

When we remain attached to our individual way of operating and are dismissive of the potential that alternatives may present, we fall ‘below the line.’ A sign of being ‘below the line’ is when our focus is to advance or promote our individual needs in some way (ideals, ego, status, income etc).

The impact of group work is greater than we think

Connecting to the higher purpose of a group has a more lasting positive impact than we can imagine. The impact can be more negative than we can fathom if we are attached to our picture of the ideal outcome. Having a fixed view stops us from evolving our way of thinking and behaving.

At work, groups come together for a range of reasons, including to develop a product, provide a service, build something... In a personal sense, groups support each other, celebrate, or help the community. One thing groups all have in common is that they come together to achieve some type of outcome. When we are too focused on the result without considering the way we interact along the way, it’s easy to fall below the line.

Regardless of whether it’s business or personal, when we zoom out and look from a broader perspective, all groups provide opportunities to:

• Become more aware – observe our actions and the impact we have on each other.

• Show more care – approach our interactions with more care so the impact we make is more positive.

• Be inspired to share – apply our evolving awareness and care in such a way to benefit more people in a more profound way.
  

Working together elevates us all

When we are open to the possibilities and take a position as the observer, we are more likely to see challenges as opportunities to learn or do something differently rather than zeroing in and seeing them only as problems.

Responding to these insights positively supports us all to progress through the stages:

• Co-creation – working with a united focus so that our shared purpose is timeless (1+1=1)

• Collaboration – working supportively so that we offer more to others together (1+1=3)

• Cooperation – working constructively so that we all benefit from working together (1+1=2)

The sky is the limit – literally!

How low we go is an ‘individual’ choice

When we remain within what’s known and adopt existing patterns of behaviour not only do we limit our growth – we can go backwards.

How far we allow ourselves to drop is a function of how attached we are to protecting our individual positions.

• Compromise – each party accepts a level of loss which limits our growth.

• Competition – we forge ahead to maximise our individual gain and obstruct real growth.

• Combat – we engage in destructive conflict to protect our own position, lowering standards across the board.

There is always an opportunity to regroup.

Nothing is static and there are no mistakes. Just as our planet rotates every day and gives us another opportunity to begin a new day, there is constant change and progress on offer. Holding ourselves or others to a set of expectations limits our growth and our potential.

When we have no expectations, our potential is limitless.

As we bring a deeper level of awareness to our true focus it can help us identify where our patterns of behaviour are unhealthy and unsupportive.

We can take some great steps to making a more positive impact by:

• Reflecting on the situation,

• Acknowledging the role we play, and

• Being open to alternative moves (without judging ourselves or others).

It only takes one person to lead the way

Allowing yourself to be seen in your true light, being open to growth without blame or judgement, and bringing focus to both what we do and how we do it, can support all of us. Showing this level of strength and vulnerability paves the way for others to follow our lead.

Exhibiting below the line behaviour is a common way of interacting and because these behaviours are seen to be ‘normal’, they’re accepted. As it’s not common to be above the line consistently some may judge, be sceptical, or downright dismiss the truth of it. The old ‘it’s too good to be true’.

However, when we keep showing up this way as a consistent resource for others – without depleting or martyring ourselves - bit by bit people will start to trust that it’s authentic. This is real leadership. And the ripple effect of this can be extraordinary.

Are you and/or your group interested to explore how taking these steps can support you to make a more positive impact?

If you’re interested to take a deeper look at your group interactions, let’s talk.

The philosophy that supports the Ladder of Group Interaction is a co-creation between Traxiom and Joel Levin from A-ha Consulting.