Strategies for Keeping Group Participants Engaged

Creating engaging group sessions isn’t just about keeping participants interested—it’s about creating an environment where meaningful behavioral change happens through evidence-based practices. At NCTI, we’ve developed comprehensive Building Blocks for Behavioral Change that form the foundation of successful group facilitation.

Here are three key strategies that draw from these building blocks to enhance participation and foster trust in your groups:

1. Build Trust Through Values-Based Engagement

Many justice-involved individuals have experienced negative interactions with authority figures, fostering skepticism and reluctance to engage. Trust serves as the cornerstone of meaningful participation. Building a foundation of understanding how values influence behavior can make fostering trust achievable. This is what creates the conditions necessary for genuine connection and lasting behavioral change.

Actionable Tips:

• Explore Values Together: Help participants understand how their core values align with positive behavioral choices.
• Create Safe Spaces: Establish an environment where participants feel comfortable examining the relationship between their values and actions.
• Set Clear Expectations: Begin each session by outlining what participants can expect and what is expected of them. Transparency helps alleviate anxiety and uncertainty.
• Establish Group Norms: Collaborate with participants to create group rules, such as mutual respect and confidentiality. When individuals have a say in setting norms, they are more likely to adhere to them.
• Show Authenticity: Be genuine in your communication and actions. Share small, appropriate personal anecdotes to show your humanity and build rapport.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge progress, no matter how minor, to build confidence and reinforce positive behavior.

2. Make Sessions Interactive and Personalized

All individuals prefer to engage differently. NCTI’s evidence-based approach recognizes that successful group facilitation must consider multiple learning preferences—visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and combination learners. Varied activities keep programs engaging while building positive relationships with group participants.

Actionable Tips:

Consider Learning Preferences: Incorporate activities that engage different ways of learning and processing information. Include visual aids, group discussions, and hands-on activities to cater to different learning preferences.

Incorporate Real-Life Scenarios: Use examples and activities that resonate with daily experiences. For instance, homework and structured skill building exercises can help participants practice conflict resolution or communication skills.

Encourage Peer Interaction: Facilitate activities where participants work together to solve problems or share experiences. Peer support is a powerful motivator.

Break the Monotony: Incorporate energizers or short games to re-engage participants if energy levels drop during longer sessions.

3. Address Resistance with Empathy and Structure

Resistance can manifest as apathy, avoidance, or even disruptive behavior. It’s essential to address resistance without judgment and provide a structured framework that encourages participation.

Actionable Tips:

• Explore Underlying Causes: Resistance often stems from fear, shame, or feeling overwhelmed. Privately check in with participants to understand their concerns.
• Frame Participation as Empowerment: Highlight how the skills and knowledge gained in the group can help them achieve their goals, such as rebuilding relationships or succeeding in the workplace.
• Offer Choices: Providing options within activities—like choosing a discussion topic or method of participation—gives participants a sense of control and reduces defensiveness.
• Stay Consistent but Flexible: Maintain a consistent schedule and structure for sessions, while allowing some flexibility to accommodate individual needs or unexpected challenges.

Discover the Complete Framework for Success

These strategies represent just a few elements of NCTI’s comprehensive Building Blocks for Behavioral Change. Our complete framework includes additional approaches such as our unique Values Discrepancy Model and the Real Colors® personality assessment, which work together to create lasting behavioral change.

Ready to transform your group facilitation? Contact NCTI today at info@ncti.org to learn about our complete Building Blocks framework and how our Crossroads curriculum and facilitator certification can equip you with all the tools needed to foster meaningful change.