Group dynamics refer to a set of processes based on the interaction between people, through fictitious situations, raised with specific objectives Their Ultimate goal is joint learning based on two facts: "that the individual feels what he does and lives it." These types of activities allow us to delve into the relationships between people and enable the development of the defining characteristics of the individual.
There are many types of group dynamics, depending on the proposed sociocultural context and their objective: presentation dynamics, group cohesion and trust, communication and conflict resolution, among others.For example, in the work environment, these practices bring very clear and quantifiable benefits to employees: they motivate workers, improve communication skills, reduce stress, serve as learning, and foster participation, among other things.
One of the most practical and applicable group dynamics in various fields are integration dynamics, the purpose of which is to transmit a lesson, be it of a moral, educational or messages that promote camaraderie If you want to know the best effective integration dynamics in different social spheres, continue reading.
What are the best integration dynamics?
In this type of joint activities they seek to improving relations between children, students, workers and other entities, leaving behind interpersonal barriers that have been or may hinder the fellowship process.All this is achieved by building communication, empathy and trust based on practice.
In addition to building cohesion between individuals, this type of activity is also perfect for consolidating knowledge. As is often said, observing has nothing to do with doing and, therefore, integration dynamics are tremendously useful for individuals to integrate what they have previously learned.
In any case, it is necessary to highlight that, before carrying out any integration dynamic, there must be a facilitator This will be the one who schedules and direct the individuals during the activity, but also the one who chooses it based on the group needs or the purpose that they want to achieve. Once this is clarified, let's review 8 good integration dynamics valid for any type of environment.
one. Turbid river
For this dynamic, a series of bottle caps or small pebbles are required.All members will stand in a circle, each with their designated pebble/lid. Once located, they will begin to sing a song that goes like this: "A cloudy, cloudy water runs through the river."
Following the rhythm of the tonality, every so often the pebble of each member will be passed to the partner on the right The rhythm of the song it will increase in speed, which is why individuals will have to focus their attention on the activity to be carried out and will acquire a greater ability to act quickly. Members who fail to pass their pebble on time can be “eliminated,” which encourages he althy competition.
2. World
This dynamic is much simpler than the previous one. All the members will be placed in a circle, and the facilitator, to begin with, will be in the center. This will have a ball, and will throw it randomly to any of the individuals in the circle, naming an element (land, sea, or air).The person who has received the ball must name an animal related to that element (earth: earthworm), which encourages and exercises people to quickly associate ideas
When a participant says “world” when receiving or throwing the ball, everyone must change places, placing the one with the ball at that moment in the center. This activity promotes integration, group participation and is good training to think quickly and effectively.
3. Guess the character
A typical integration dynamic that many of us carry out in social situations without realizing it. The premise is simple: each member of the group writes a character on a post-it, they all mix and randomly each one receives one of the characters that another has written and places it on the forehead.
In rounds, each participant will ask questions about their unknown person stuck on the forehead that can only be answered with “yes” and “no”.If the answer is no, it goes to the next contestant, but if it is correct, that person can continue asking. The first to guess their character is victorious.
This activity promotes the participation of all members in any environment, especially those people who are often overshadowed by their lack of communication skills in new circles. It is a truly effective method to break the ice and create a relaxed atmosphere, while learning to take turns.
4. Generating creative ideas
Not all are games, because in the workplace, group integration dynamics may also be required for business or production purposes. Therefore, the process that we explain in these lines is a bit more sober.
In this dynamic, the facilitator will gather 6 people and give each of them a blank sheet of paper with a specific title on a subject.Each employee will have 5 minutes to write all the ideas that occur to them on that page regarding that topic and, later, they will pass it on to the colleague on the right.
Thus, each employee will have 5 minutes to write ideas on 6 different topics, generally associated with the workplace. Once the dynamic is over, there will be hundreds of condensed ideas on the table and, in addition, all those workers who feel reluctant to share their thoughts or speak in public will be able to express themselves freely.
5. Team Trust
“If you trust me, close your eyes and let yourself fall” Does this premise ring a bell? Well, this dynamic of integration is exactly that. One person stands up in front of his companions with his eyes closed and must fall backwards, waiting for the others to hold him and prevent the blow. All team members must do so.
As primal and basic as it sounds, sometimes bonding can begin with acts as seemingly irrational as keeping someone from getting hurt.This dynamic is excellent for avoiding tensions and encouraging team members to learn to trust each other.
6. Alligator!
A perfect integration dynamic for environments that involve children. The premise is simple: two lines are drawn on the ground (physical or imaginary) and the participants will be divided into two groups, each one standing behind the lines.
A child volunteer will be the crocodile and, at the facilitator's signal, each group must jump onto the ground delimited by the opposite line. At this time, the "crocodile" will take the opportunity to intercept its prey (always without harming anyone, of course). This game encourages fellowship, integration and, in addition, it is a lot of fun.
7. A special person
Again, another of the perfect integration dynamics for infants.Each child will be asked to think of someone they admire (a public figure or family member or friend) and to list, either in their head or on paper, the qualities that make them special. Next, in subgroups of 4-5 children, everyone will share the person they have chosen and the reasons for it.
Finally, a representative of each group will present to all the classmates the character they admire The objective of this dynamic is clear: group integration and that individuals learn to know each other based on positive feelings.
8. Backs pressed together
A clear and simple approach: two people sit facing opposite sides, back to back. After that, they intertwine their arms and they have to get up together leaning on the back of their respective partner. It is another of those dynamics that fosters trust, camaraderie and relaxation in the environment, regardless of the age of those who practice it.
Resume
We have told you 8 examples of very effective integration dynamics in group settings, some ideal for children, others for adults and others suitable for all ages. In any case, the general idea is always the same: promote camaraderie and trust based on practice
This type of activities encourages workers/children/students to release stress, exercise their personal abilities and make their way in the group without having to rely exclusively on their social skills. In a he althy and established group, no one can be left out.