Terrains et pratiques de Photolangage

7	Summary
	THE ROLE AND THE INVOLVEMENT OF THE GROUP LEADER
	In a work session with Photolangage, the group-leader has an important role to play in setting a framework, in the organisation and regulation of sharing, and also in participating in the work of the group. The group-leader is the time-keeper : he supervises the group so that the work begins and ends at the agreed time. He makes sure that the instructions given are respected. When necessary, he can intervene if the group wants to evade an instruction, an exercise or a difficult situation. He is the memory of the group. He makes sure that the work does not begin if every member of the group is not there. He and the group come to an agreement that all the members of the group will attend the whole session. He is the authority in the group. The group-leader must also be attentive to each member of the group ; he must be conscious that each of them comes there with his own expectations, rhythm, and sensibility. He must be particularly close to a member of the group who is rejected by the others. He facilitates the work of the group. He is not responsible for the group, but he has a responsibility within the group. It is better if the group-leader can involve himself personally in the work, by choosing his own photos and presenting them to the group, by giving his own personal reactions, just as the others are doing ; it is not the place for giving a course. This participation is important because it confirms the fact that, during this part of the work, there is no privileged person in the group, who knows and holds the truth. Everybody is trying to express his feelings and share his own life with the group with as much authenticity as possible.