When you are participating in a group discussion, there are a number of things you will want to avoid. While doing the right things can allow you to become a valuable member of the group, doing the wrong things can cause you to disrupt the discussion, and you may find yourself alienated from the other members.
In this article, I will go over the Do's and Dont's of group discussions. By following these guidelines, you will enjoy being a part of group discussions, and you will contribute to the success of the group.
It is important to avoid putting down the ideas that are presented during the discussion. This is especially important if the group is brainstorming ideas. When you put down ideas that are presented by someone else, you are humiliating them in front of the other members, and you are disrupting the brainstorming process. In addition to this, you can create conflict between you and the person you are ridiculing. Never attack the idea of someone else. It can cause other members to be uneasy about sharing their own ideas, because they may fear being ridiculed.
If you don't agree with a statement or idea that has been presented by other another member, address the issue in a polite manner. Instead of attacking their idea directly, why not come up with a better idea instead? It is also important avoid interrupting other members when they are speaking. This is extremely rude. If you feel the need to interrupt someone while they are speaking, try to interject as politely as you can. In some discussion groups, you may be required to raise your hands after someone has finished making a statement. If someone is interrupted by another person why they are speaking, this could create conflict. It may convey a message that what they are saying is not important.
When you are given a task to carry out, it is important for you to do it. Remember, the group is a machine, and every part of that machine must work if it is to function properly. The members of the group are the pieces that make up the machine. If you are given a task to perform that must be done before the discussion is held, you will want to make sure it is done properly. If it is not done correctly, it can disrupt the flow of the discussion. It is important for you to offer encouragement to the other members. When you encourage the other members of the group, you will gain their respect, and this will allow them to work harder. Encouragement can build up a group discussion, while discouragement can tear it down.
It is important for you to show respect to all the members of the group, and they should show you respect as well. When everyone has a mutual respect for each other, this will stop the conflicts which can completely destroy a discussion. If you are the leader of the group, it is essential for you to make sure the right topic is discussed. It should be something that is important to you and the other members. When this is case, the participants will work hard to make sure important issues are covered. If they are not interested in the topic, it will be hard to get them to focus on it. It is important for leaders to choose relevant topics that will be of interest to those who will be participating.
If you are having a brainstorming phase during the group discussion, do not dismiss any ideas that are presented. Give everyone the time to present ideas that they think can be useful in solving problems. Once the brainstorming session is over, let the group decide which ideas are the best.
Another thing that you will want to avoid doing is avoid getting into arguments with other members. It is not productive, and will cause conflicts to occur. While there is nothing wrong with getting into positive arguments, they should not be allowed to get out of control. Show respect to everyone in the group. If you don't agree with a statement that is made by someone, say it in a tactful way.
Posted in Labels: Do's and Dont's in a Group Discussion