Description of Challenge
We spend a lot of our life in groups, be it family, teams and work groups, clubs,
communitysettings, etc. We may carry an assumption therefore that it is a natural and
easy thing to be in a group, to speak authentically in a group and that groups naturally
evolve in healthy ways. However, the opposite is often true. It can be hard to be
authentic, and groups often seem to become more dysfunctional over time. How can
we raise our awareness in group settings so that this does not happen?
Community requires the ability to expose our wounds and weaknesses to our fellow
creatures. It also requires the ability to be affected by the wounds of others... But even
more important is the love that arises among us when we share, both ways, our
woundedness.” (Scott Peck)
Solution
Scott Peck has identified 4 phases of group development and created guidelines for
skillfully navigating these that culminate in an experience of a mature, authentic
community. Once we know that going through, for example, phases of
pseudocommunity, chaos and conflict, vulnerability and letting go of expectations, are
necessary steps in the evolution of a group, we will be more willing to embrace them.
The conscious practice of authenticity counters any tendency we might have to hide in
habits and masks.
References:
● Peck S, The Different Drum: Community Making and Peace. Arrow Books 1990;
● http://fcecommunity.org
● http://www.context.org/iclib/ic29/peck/
Submitted by: Kosha and Robin
Developed in collaboration with
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