Suggestion 74. Intercede if the discussion breaks down

IF YOU WANT TO:

YOU MAY WISH TO CONSIDER:

Interceding if the discussion is breaking down.

Researchers of small groups have identified several indicators which reveal that a discussion is not going well. These include:

  • excessive hair-splitting or nit-picking in the group

  • repetition of the same points over and over

  • private conversations in subgroups

  • monopolization of the discussion by two or more members

  • members taking sides and refusing to compromise

  • apathetic participation

    In general, a faculty member can usually refocus and revitalize a discussion with the introduction of new questions. If these signs of a deteriorating discussion seem endemic to a group, however, it may be useful to shift from working on the task to discussing the interaction itself and the feelings of the members about the functioning of the group. "I believe that the process of discussion is as important as its substance," notes a professor of architecture. "If a group is having difficulties maintaining a worthwhile discussion, I confront the issue directly and get them to talk about what is happening and why."

    Limitations on Use of Suggestion

    Copyright 1983 by the Regents of the University of California

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