| During
your training events you will want to
employ some techniques that you can use with the group to
get ideas out in the open and to manage concerns.
The
technique you use will depend upon the number of people,
the type of output required, the objectives and also group
dynamics.
Here
are some of the most useful ones, however – never
be scared to make one up on the spot.
Around
the group technique
A
technique to encourage contribution toward group decision
making.
The
facilitator begins at one end of the table.
Each
person is given the chance to say how he or she views the
issue, state their idea, etc.
If
a person chooses to say nothing in this round, he or she
says "pass."
Each
person should be satisfied that he or she had a chance to
influence the decision and declare a willingness or unwillingness
to support it.
The
term consensus means that support is derived from each person
feeling heard and understood.
This
technique helps build and maintain group cohesiveness.
The
Constructive Response
A
technique used to create a product from breakout groups'
individual products.
This
is a very simple and very effective technique used by facilitators.
Basic
Version:
Using
the Go Around technique, have each person:
1.
Say what they like about the idea or proposal under consideration,
etc.
2. Next, ask each person to state their concerns.
3. Assist and encourage people to find ways to overcome
the concerns.
Alternative
Version:
This
technique is especially valuable when a facilitator has
a large group and must break them out into smaller groups.
When
each team brings their proposal or solution back to the
whole group, use the Constructive Response to examine each
group's proposal. On the easel or chalkboard, list the likes
and list the concerns with each group's proposal. Place
them with that proposal on the wall or hang them together
using easels.
When
this is completed, the facilitator begins the process of
having the group come up with the final product. One of
two things generally happens:
1.
The group combines the likes from each sub-group and there
is no further need for the concerns lists.
2. The group combines all the likes from each sub-group
and uses the concerns list as a check to make sure the group
product has avoided anything that has caused concern to
someone. If there is a concern, the group talks it out.
Take
Five
A
technique to accommodate different thinking styles or preferences
and help discussions begin quickly and on-track.
Individuals have preferences in how they think and make
decisions.
Some
people, extroverts, prefer thinking out loud. Introverts
prefer thinking silently.
The
Take Five technique guarantees those with an introverted
thinking style the time and silence they need for organising
their thoughts.
Understanding
others without trying to alter or judge their behaviour
is an ability in itself. Allowing for differences maximizes
each person's ability to contribute.
After you begin the session by stating the purpose for bringing
the participants together, acknowledge the differing preferences
or styles that people will be using during the session.
Tell
them you'll use a technique that will accommodate their
different thinking styles.
When
assigning members to breakout groups, suggest each person
take a few minutes (like five) to organise their thoughts
and ideas.
They
can make a written list if they wish.
You
may ask participants to do this before the session begins
and bring their notes. After this brief quiet period, the
group then begins discussion.
This
procedure permits those who need it, quiet time to organise
their thoughts without distraction.
It's
always advisable to provide advance information about a
meeting. Extroverts don't need it and probably won't even
read it, but introverts DO and WILL.
BACK
TO CHALK AND TALK RIP SECTION
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