| There are a number of methods you can use to | | | | the idea creation period has ended, the ideas |
| encourage those that participate in group | | | | which have been developed will be organized |
| discussions. One technique is to ask a single | | | | and reviewed. The results will be shared with |
| question and make a request for all the | | | | the entire group. Brainstorming plays an |
| members to discuss it. The members can read | | | | important role in group discussions, and is |
| the question, and they can tell the other | | | | excellent for a situation where a group needs |
| members what they think the question means. | | | | to come up with a solution to a complex |
| | | | problem. |
| It is best to use open-ended questions, | | | | |
| because they will allow the members to think | | | | When group discussion are held, it is |
| about the topics. Everyone should be allowed | | | | important for them to receive encouragement. |
| to give their thoughts on the question. It is | | | | This encouragement can come from the group |
| always important to make sure the group stays | | | | leader, or it can come from the other |
| on topic. | | | | members. It will bring about results that are |
| | | | the exact opposite of what happens when the |
| If you notice that members are getting off | | | | idea of a member is put-down by others in the |
| topic, politely direct them back to the topic | | | | group. The group that participates in |
| that is being discussed. It is also important | | | | discussions should behave like a well oiled |
| for everyone to listen, even the leader. They | | | | machine. Everyone should be on the same page. |
| should understand the statements that are | | | | The success of the group, not the |
| being made by members. If they do not, they | | | | individuals, is the most important factor. |
| should ask the member to clarify the point | | | | When members encourage each other, this will |
| they are making. It is also important to make | | | | build a strong comraderie that will allow the |
| comments on statements that have been made by | | | | group to function as one. The biggest |
| the other members. When your respond to a | | | | problems in group discussions occur when |
| statement that has been made, this can create | | | | members discourage each other and promote |
| a domino effect where other members will | | | | their own ideas. |
| respond as well, and new ideas or solutions | | | | |
| can be formulated. | | | | Group discussion are successful when all the |
| | | | members respect each other. When someone |
| There are a number of guidelines that you | | | | comes up with a great idea, they should be |
| will want to follow at the conclusion of the | | | | thanked for their participation. Members who |
| discussion. You should always create a | | | | are quiet should be allowed to convey their |
| summary about the topic that has been | | | | thoughts to the other members, and the |
| discussed. Ask the members to review the | | | | participants who are outspoken should spend |
| things that have been discussed, as this will | | | | more time listening to what the other members |
| allow them to commit the various points to | | | | have to say. No one member should ever be |
| memory. It is important for the members of | | | | allowed to dominate the conversation in group |
| the group to keep notepads handy where they | | | | discussion. Every member of the group should |
| can write down important points that have | | | | be given an equal amount of time to convey |
| been made. One of the common goals of group | | | | their own thoughts to the group. |
| discussions is to brainstorm ideas. When | | | | |
| members of a group are brainstorming an idea, | | | | It is crucial for everyone to feel like they |
| there are a number of things they will do. | | | | are contributing to the discussion. Conflicts |
| | | | should be avoided or reduced at all costs, as |
| First, the topic will be given to the group. | | | | they can destroy the ability to the group to |
| Each member will think about the topic for | | | | move forward and come up with good ideas or |
| set period of time, and will begin coming up | | | | solutions. Encouragement will give members |
| with a number of different ideas. The other | | | | the confidence they need, and this will allow |
| members of the group should build on the | | | | them to work hard to make sure the group |
| ideas that have already been presented. After | | | | become successful. |