Page 201 - Effective group discussion theory and practice by Adams, Katherine H. Brilhart, John K. Galanes, Gloria J

184 Chapter 7

4. Effective group leaders skillfully mediate information and ideas supplied by all
members.
Such leaders foster critical thinking, which leads to thorough evaluation and
integration of information. They structure unorganized information, ask probing
questions to bring out pertinent information, and evaluate inferences and
conclusions drawn from information. They help all members focus on activities
relevant to the group’s goal. 67
5. Effective group leaders express their opinions provisionally.
Groups whose leaders suspended judgment and encouraged full consideration
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of minority viewpoints produced better solutions than did other groups.
Moreover, groups whose leaders withheld their opinions until later in a
discussion produced more and better alternatives than groups whose leaders
expressed their opinions early. Groups prefer open-minded leaders. 70
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6. Effective group leaders are not self-centered.
Interviews with 90 successful leaders across professions revealed that “there was
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no trace of self-worship or cockiness in our leaders.” They exhibit personal
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commitment to that goal in both words and deeds. Furthermore, such leaders
readily confront members who are more self- than group-centered. 73
7. Effective group leaders model a collaborative climate by respecting and
supporting others.
Excellent leaders establish a collaborative climate and make it safe for group
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members to communicate. Such leaders are sensitive to nonverbal signals and
the feelings these signify. The best leaders perceive the needs and goals of
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members, and then adjust their own behaviors to these needs. Elon Musk,
CEO of the highly popular automobile manufacturer Tesla, won applause for his
e-mail to his employees. Expressing deep concern for the safety of his
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employees at a California plant, his words were shown as an example of a leader
willing to do what needs to be done for his employees, showing them he “has
their back” and will put himself “out there for them.”
Effective discussion leaders are courteous. This may be particularly
important in a virtual environment, where members don’t normally (or ever)
interact face-to-face. Defensive communication may find a “natural home” in
the impersonal atmosphere of a virtual team because members are typically
chosen on the basis of their expertise, and thus may be tempted to present
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opinions and information as “certain and unchallengeable.” Team leaders
must make a special effort to promote the social aspects of teamwork and to
help align members’ priorities with organizational priorities in a way that will
interest and excite them.
8. Effective group leaders promote celebration of diversity and sensitive diversity
management.
Effective group leaders make sure to include all members in the team’s work
and play. Team members perceive them as impartial, not showing favoritism
to particular members. Leaders also make time for group members to get to
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know one another and learn to appreciate one another as individuals.

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