Well managed group discussions allow members to have input and feel part of a decision made. The key to productive meetings is by involving people.
There are different techniques that can be used which will help to assist in a productive group discussion.
1. One-liners
This technique can be used when dealing with large groups in meetings. Sometimes with large groups it is very hard for everyone to have their say and time get away when everyone is trying to get their point of view across. If the Chairperson uses a phrase like the one below then everyone feels like they have had a chance to be heard.
“You have been listening for the last half hour and I appreciate your patience, before we move on lets find out what’s on your minds, let’s have comments from anyone who want to but limit it to one sentence”.
2. Survey
After a group discussion ask for a quick show of hands to determine group support for proposed ideas.
3. Buz groups
This can be used with any group but is fantastic for large groups. You get the group to break into sub-groups which allows a greater way to generate ideas and enables everyone to participate. Sometimes when dealing with groups you have many different types of personalities and this allows those who don’t like to speak up or who get drowned out by large voices to have their say and feel comfortable about it.
4. Brainstorming
This is a great way for generating many spontaneous and diverse ideas in a short period of time.
In all meetings there are always different types of personalities and it is important that techniques for conflict resolution understood and implemented when needs.
Below is some great powerpoint presentation videos that really explore conflict resolution and effective team work.
Have you ever experienced any of the above techniques being used to stimulate group discussion and did they work effectively?
Have you come across a meeting where their have been different personalities that have clashed and conflict resolution techniques have been put in place?
I have come across a couple of the above techniques such as Surveys and Buz Groups which allow everyone to have their say within the current topic of interest. I believe it did work effectively because everyone had the opportunity to discuss and hear everyone else's opinions which is a really positive thing within meetings; letting everyone have a say and then deciding which alternative is the most appropriate way to go about problem solving.
ReplyDeleteI have never really come across personalities clashing within meetings, everyone has been very polite, followed procedure and contributed to discussions when the time has been appropriate such as above in Buz Groups which i think reflects everyone's respect for one another.
Most of the meetings I have been to locally usually ask if anyone has something they want to contribute to the discussion and then motions have been put forward and voted on.
ReplyDeleteI have found once a very strong personality makes their contribution to the meeting others are a little reluctant to say anything different unless the chairperson is good at managing the meeting.