Tyre - flexibility and change

Groups that demonstrate resilience and are able to adopt a flexible approach, are better prepared to confront emerging problems, and changing demands that frequently occur in group work. The nature of group work both in the task of the group and also in the group interactions is dynamic and very often unpredictable. If group members are able to understand this and address the approach that they wish to adopt when ‘surprising circumstances’ or unpredictable issues emerge in the group they are building the capacity for flexibility and resilience.

Issues will arise and mistakes will be made as individuals work as a collective group. It is important that all individuals in the group recognize this and are able to accept responsibility for their actions, learn from their mistakes and move forward from them in a constructive manner. Resilience is developed as individuals and groups manage difficult circumstances, recognize what they can influence and are able to maintain a positive perspective of events in a broader context.

Effective groups demonstrate responsibility, are capable of making change if circumstances demand and are able to maintain a ‘bigger picture’ balanced perspective of the context of issues that emerge in day to day functioning.

The wheel model helps us visualise the impact of an inappropriate tyre/lack of flexibility on wheel function/group effectiveness. A wheel with a thin tyre ensures a bumpy and uncomfortable ride, just as a group that is not very flexible will also have a bumpy ride.