Read Susan Ogbom's article Running effective meetings, running effective groups (1994). There were aspects of group dynamics that appear very similar to teaching, namely people's "styles". Ogbom states that "each person joining a group for the first time comes with certain questions: why are we doing this? what are we supposed to accomplish and by when? How fast can we get finished with this?... whichever questions are foremost in one's mind will often define the success or failure of the group encounter."
That's true, however a group encounter can also make you question your own questions, assumptions and can, if evidence or argument is well presented, make you change your focus. It is important to keep an open mind and remembe that this group is put together for a reason and that the differences in personal styles can make the group stronger and more effecive. For example, it is good to have an ideas person and also the people who enjoy getting the ideas to fruition, and to support the results.
"Definition of a successful meeting is one that meets the needs of each member in the least amount of time possible." (Ogbom, 1994). Oh dear, many of our meetings spend considerable time waiting for the CEO either arrive or stay in the room - he tends to get distracted - "I'll just print this" "this software is really useful" and so forth. Straying from the meeting purpose occurs frequently. It is very frustrating for all members.
0 comments