Page 232 - Effective group discussion theory and practice by Adams, Katherine H. Brilhart, John K. Galanes, Gloria J

Leading Small Groups: Practical Tips 215

3. Make sure all group members understand and accept the standards, criteria, or
assumptions used in making judgments.
For example, you might ask: “Is that criterion clear to us all?” “Does everyone
agree that using our professional association’s guidelines is a good idea?” or “Do
we all accept that as an assumption?”
4. Test all proposed solutions thoroughly before accepting them as final group
decisions.
Encourage the group to apply the available facts and all criteria. Be especially
careful to consider possible harmful effects of all proposed solutions.
a. Ask questions to encourage thorough evaluation:
■ Do we have any evidence to indicate that this solution would be
satisfactory? Unsatisfactory?
■ Are there any facts to support this proposal?
■ How well would that idea meet our criteria?
■ Would that proposal solve the basic problem?
■ Is there any way we can test this idea before we decide whether to
adopt it?
■ What negative consequences might this proposal produce?
b. Ask members to discuss tentative solutions or policies with trusted people
outside the group.
c. One or more members can be asked to take the role of devil’s advocate so
that all ideas are challenged and everyone has a chance to air doubts.
d. Divide the group into two subgroups under different leaders to evaluate all
alternatives; then rejoin to iron out differences.
e. Before reaching a binding solution with far-reaching consequences, hold a
“second chance” meeting at which all doubts, ethical concerns, or untested
assumptions can be explored.
5. Help prevent groupthink.
Groupthink, described in detail in Chapter 9, can send a group along a path to
disaster. Follow the suggestions for preventing groupthink in Chapter 10.

Fostering Meeting-to-Meeting Improvement A group doesn’t achieve its ultimate goal
by chance. After each meeting, the designated leader should assess how well the
meeting’s goals were accomplished and how the meeting could have been improved.
That, then, suggests a road map for improving future meetings:
1. Determine how the meeting could have been improved.
Take a few minutes to reflect on the meeting. Did the group receive the
leadership services it needed at the right time? Were the meeting’s purposes
clearly communicated? Did members agree on the goals? Was the entire agenda
covered in a timely fashion? Was the meeting well structured? Did members stay
on the topic, for the most part? Take a few moments to consider the members.
Did everyone participate? Did anyone talk too much? Not enough? Did you talk

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