Table of Contents >
   Part E. Leadership, Management, and Group Facilitation
      Chapter 16. Group Facilitation and Problem-Solving >
         Section 4. Techniques For Leading Group Discussions >
             Tools & Checklists - A checklist that summarizes the major points contained in the section. >

Techniques For Leading Group Discussions

  

Tools & Checklists

  

Here you will find a checklist summarizing the important points of the section.

What is an effective group discussion?   

__ An effective group discussion is one in which the group is able to accomplish its purpose or to establish a basis either for ongoing discussion or for further contact and collaboration among its members.

__ The elements of an effective group discussion:

  • All members of the group have a chance to speak, expressing their own ideas and feelings freely, and to pursue and finish out their thoughts.
  • All members of the group can hear others’ ideas and feelings stated openly.
  • Group members can safely test out ideas that are not yet fully formed.
  • Group members can receive and respond to respectful but honest and constructive feedback.
  • A variety of points of view are put forward and discussed.
  • The discussion is not dominated by any one person.
  • Arguments, while they may be spirited, are based on the content of ideas and opinions, not on personalities.
  • Even in disagreement, there’s an understanding that the group is working together to resolve a dispute, solve a problem, create a plan, make a decision, find a precept or set of precepts all can agree on, or come to a conclusion.

__ Possible uses for a group discussion:

  • Create a new situation – form a coalition, start an initiative, etc.
  • Explore cooperative or collaborative arrangements among groups or organizations.
  • Discuss and/or analyze an issue.
  • Create a strategic plan – for an initiative, an advocacy campaign, an intervention, etc.
  • Discuss policy and policy change.
  • Air concerns and differences among individuals or groups.
  • Hold public hearings on proposed laws or regulations, development, etc.
  • Decide on an action.
  • Provide mutual support.
  • Solve a problem.
  • Resolve a conflict.
  • Plan the work or an event.

Why would you lead a group discussion?

Group discussion is useful because:

__ A group discussion gives everyone involved a voice.

__ A group discussion allows for a variety of ideas to be expressed and discussed. 

__ Group discussion is generally a democratic, egalitarian process. 

__ A group discussion leads to group ownership of whatever conclusions, plans, or action the group decides upon. 

__ An effective group discussion encourages those who might normally be reluctant to speak their minds.

__ Group discussions can often open communication channels among people who might not communicate in any other way. 

__ In some cases, a group discussion is simply the obvious, or even the only, way to proceed. 

You might lead a group discussion because:

__ It’s part of your job.

__ You’ve been asked to.

__ A discussion is necessary, and you have the skills to lead it.

__ It was your idea in the first place.

Some people who might find themselves leading a group discussion:

__ Directors of organizations

__ Public officials

__ Coalition coordinators

__ Professionals with group-leading skills

__ Teachers

__ Health professionals and health educators

__ Respected community members

__ Community activists

When might you lead a group discussion?

__ At the start of something new.

__ When an issue can no longer be ignored.

__ When groups need to be brought together.

__ When an existing group is considering its next step or seeking to address an issue of importance to it.

How do you lead a group discussion?

If you have the opportunity to prepare beforehand:

__ Choose the space.

__ Provide food and drink.

__ Bring materials to help the discussion along.

__ Become familiar with the purpose and content of the discussion.

__ Make sure everyone gets any necessary information, readings, or other material in plenty of time to study it well beforehand. 

General guidelines:

__ Think about leadership style.

__ Put people at ease.

__ Help the group develop ground rules.

__ Generate an agenda or goals for the discussion.

__ Lead the discussion.

  • Set the topic.
  • Foster the open process.
  • Involve all participants.
  • Ask questions or provide information to move the discussion.
  • Summarize and/or clarify important points and conclusions.
  • Wrap up the session.

__ Follow up if necessary.

Do’s for discussion leaders:  

__ Model the behavior and attitudes you want group members to employ.

__ Use encouraging body language and tone of voice, as well as words.

__ Give positive feedback for joining the discussion.

__ Be aware of people’s reactions and feelings, and try to respond appropriately.

__ Ask open-ended questions.

__ Control your own biases.

__ Encourage disagreement, and help the group use it creatively.

__ Be a recorder if necessary.

__ Keep your mouth shut as much as possible.

Don’ts for discussion leaders:

__ Don’t let one or a small group of individuals dominate the discussion.

__ Don’t let one point of view override others.

__ Don’t assume that anyone holds particular opinions or positions because of his culture, background, race, personal style, etc.

__ By the same token, don’t assume that someone from a particular culture, race, or background speaks for everyone else from that situation.

__ Don’t be the font of all wisdom.