Why Groups Feel Like Herding Cats—And How to Actually Get Somewhere with Jack Mason-Goodall

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Another work meeting, or family phone call, same exhausting dynamics.

You know the scene: Someone brought snacks, there's polite chatter about the weather, and then... the same voices dominate while others quietly disengage. The tension builds, nothing really gets resolved, and you walk away thinking, "Why can't we ever just move forward?"

Whether it's your work team, family group text, or friend group trying to plan a weekend getaway, the patterns are eerily similar.

So, why do some groups just click while others feel like pulling teeth?

It’s because every group has two essential elements: task and process. Most groups focus obsessively on the what while completely avoiding the more emotional (and sometimes messier) how.

Groups get stuck when they avoid the messy work of actually being with each other. The way forward isn't around the feelings — it's through them.

This week, Karlee kicks off Part 1 of a special 3-part series: How to Be in Relationship with People That Drive You Nuts. She’s joined by Jack Mason-Goodall, a UK-based psychologist who works in both clinical therapy and organizational consulting. Jack is her go-to collaborator when a client’s team dynamics require more than coaching; when the real issue is what’s happening beneath the surface.

In this episode, you'll discover why some groups flow effortlessly toward their goals while others get trapped in frustrating loops of dysfunction. You'll learn to recognize the invisible emotional undercurrents that either fuel collaboration or sabotage progress. Most importantly, you'll walk away with practical tools to help any group, from your workplace team to your family dinner table, actually accomplish what they set out to do without losing their minds in the process.

If you're ready to stop dreading group interactions and start understanding why they go sideways so you can help redirect them (without becoming the group therapist), then this is the episode for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• (9:09) The difference between task and process
• (15:32) How the "superhero leader" myth keeps groups dysfunctional
• (21:26) Signs your group is leaning too heavily toward task or process
• (27:14) How to stop being the emotional holder
• (31:28) The radical idea that healthy groups can handle conflict and frustration

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Free Download: "Why You're Dreading That Meeting Again, and How to Stop Walking in Circles Together"

RSVP HERE to join us for the LIVE Recording of Episode 3: Why Does This Always Fall on Me? How to Stop Being the Fixer in Every Room on Sunday, July 20th at 11am Eastern

People Mentioned in this Episode:

Wilfred Bion

Maria Sirois

Connect with Jack Mason-Goodall, BSc., MA, MBACP, MBPsS:

LinkedIn

AutismOptimismInternational.com
Focused on relationship‑based play therapy, autism family support, coaching for parents, professionals, and businesses

HowToBeUs.com
Offers individual and group psychotherapy/coaching with a commitment to inclusivity (LGBTQIA+ affirming, anti‑oppressive)