Quick Guide for Clinicians - SAMHSA Store - Substance Abuse and ...

Group Leadership: Concepts and Techniques 39GROUP LEADERSHIP: CONCEPTS ANDTECHNIQUESSeveral desirable leadership traits and behaviors,along with specific concepts and techniques, canmake process groups successful. Leaders shouldknow how to• Convert conflict and resistance into positiveenergy that powers the group.• Manage disruptive group members, such asclients who talk incessantly or leave abruptly• Turn a crisis into an opportunity.Personal QualitiesThe personal qualities that an effective groupleader should have are• Constancy. The ability to promote an environmentwith small, infrequent changes can bevery helpful to a client in recovery.• Active listening. Strong listening skills are thekeystone of any effective therapy.• Firm identity. A firm sense of their own identities,together with clear reflection on experiencesin group, enables leaders to understandand manage their own emotional lives.