Self-Assessment of Traits and Skills:

Traits and Skills I Possess:

1. Empathy: I am naturally empathetic and can understand and relate to the feelings of others.
2. Effective Communication: I have strong communication skills, both verbal and nonverbal, which help me convey ideas clearly and listen actively.
3. Adaptability: I am open to new ideas and can adjust my approach based on the needs of the group and individual members.
4. Conflict Resolution: I am skilled at managing conflicts and facilitating discussions to reach a resolution.
5. Organizational Skills: I am good at planning and organizing group activities and tasks.
6. Active Listening: I excel at listening attentively to group members and validating their perspectives.

Areas for Development:

1. Assertiveness: I sometimes struggle with being assertive in leading discussions and making decisions.
2. Delegating Tasks: I find it challenging to delegate tasks to group members, often preferring to take on more responsibilities myself.
3. Cultural Sensitivity: I need to improve my understanding of cultural differences and how they might influence group dynamics.
4. Time Management: I occasionally struggle with managing time effectively during group sessions, which can lead to rushed discussions.

Opening and Closing Group Session Procedure:

Opening Procedure:

1. Icebreaker Activity: To create a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere, I would start the session with an icebreaker activity that encourages group members to share something about themselves. This could be related to the session’s theme or a light and engaging topic.
2. Setting the Agenda: I would briefly outline the goals and objectives of the session, ensuring that participants understand what they can expect to achieve during the meeting.
3. Establishing Group Norms: I would discuss and collaboratively establish ground rules for the session, ensuring that everyone feels safe to express themselves and share their thoughts.
4. Mindfulness Exercise: I would lead a brief mindfulness exercise to help participants become present and focused on the session ahead.

Closing Procedure:

1. Recap and Reflect: I would summarize the key points discussed during the session, highlighting any important insights or conclusions reached by the group.
2. Open Floor for Reflection: I would open the floor for participants to share their reflections on the session—what they learned, what resonated with them, and any questions or concerns they might have.
3. Goal Setting: I would encourage participants to set individual goals related to the session’s topic, fostering a sense of personal growth and accountability.
4. Expression of Gratitude: I would express gratitude to the group for their participation and contributions, acknowledging their efforts and the value they bring to the group.
5. Announcing Next Steps: If applicable, I would provide information about the next session, assignments, or any follow-up tasks to keep participants engaged and informed.

By leveraging my strengths and working on areas that need development, I would create a group leadership approach that emphasizes empathy, active communication, and adaptability. The opening and closing procedures I’ve outlined aim to establish a positive and inclusive group environment while fostering meaningful discussions, personal growth, and a sense of community among group members.