Page 285 - Effective group discussion theory and practice by Adams, Katherine H. Brilhart, John K. Galanes, Gloria J

268 Chapter 10

Step 3 of P-MOPS: Evaluating Possible Solutions
Once the problem has been thoroughly analyzed, with alternatives accumulated and
criteria clearly understood by all members, the group is ready to evaluate alternatives.
The pros and cons of each solution must be explored, as members ask, What are the
probable benefits and possible negative consequences of each proposed solution? Group
members must employ their sharpest critical thinking skills to ensure thorough
evaluation of all options.
Establish a Collaborative Climate for Evaluation Your critical thinking task will be
facilitated if you engage in some preparation work first. Members are more willing to
think critically when the group’s climate is collaborative and supportive and when
that climate explicitly supports critical thinking. Use the best communication skills
you can—listen to understand, help other group members make their points, and
encourage everyone to participate. We discussed the factors that contribute to a sup-
portive climate in Chapter 6; here is the place to be particularly mindful of the way
you interact with others.
Some groups discuss explicitly the type of atmosphere they want to create and
how they will do that. An acquaintance of ours who works in marketing for a Fortune
500 company asks group members to think of the best group or team they’ve ever
been part of, then to think of how the present group could become as good as their
“best” group. This prompts members to establish their own norms of mutual respect,
careful listening, and commitment to the task. The Single Question Format explicitly
allows for this kind of discussion. While the other two do not, nothing prevents any
group from having this discussion.
Establish Norms That Promote Critical Thinking We explained in Chapter 9 how
important it is for group members to be the best critical thinkers they can, and we
described groupthink as a potential problem when a group fails to think critically.
Here, we show you how you can spot the symptoms of groupthink and what you can
do to prevent it.

Symptoms of Groupthink How can you recognize groupthink? The symptoms of
groupthink fall into three main categories:
1. The group overestimates its power and morality.
A group may be so optimistic that it overestimates the chances for its programs
to succeed. For example, Swissair, known as the “Flying Bank,” was one of
the top 10 airlines in the world and the darling of Switzerland’s corporate
successes. Its collapse came out of nowhere and dealt a huge national blow to
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Switzerland. Previous successes and a reputation for outstanding corporate
practices lulled the company into a sense of invulnerability that overshadowed
poor financial and administrative decisions, leading to its collapse. The Major
League Baseball umpires, as well, came to believe they were irreplaceable to the
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game of baseball. They had benefited from highly successful past contract
negotiations with MLB. With impending contract negotiations upon them and
ill will between them and MLB, they decided to deliver the first punch—resign
en masse. Their negotiation strategy failed miserably.

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