Exam 8: Leading Small Groups: Practical Tips

Because communication is so important, groups should meet regularly even if the actual task could be accomplished using other communication avenues.

Make sure all members have an equal opportunity to speak.

Address your comments to specific individuals instead of the group in general.

Although a chairperson needs to make some statement about the purpose of a meeting, to prevent stifling member creativity this should not include such details as the form of the output (such as an agenda or a written resolution).

Galanes and Adamssay that problem-solving groups should keep written records of all meetings.

The leader places a new topic brought up by a member during the meeting on a separate flip chart, board, or piece of note paper for consideration later. This is called placing off-topic items in the

Most of the questions a discussion leader asks during a committee meeting should be addressed to individuals.

List (in the order you would try them) as many techniques as you can think of for controlling speaking and interrupting by a highly dominant, compulsive speaker in your discussion group.

A member of a committee has prepared copies of an extensive written report of findings from research she did for the committee. Next she would

If a member has not spoken out on a major issue or topic, the discussion leader should gatekeep by asking that person to state his or her opinion; for instance, "Fay, what is your opinion about requiring community service?"

Leaders of virtual teams are responsible for the same administrative functions as leaders of face to face teams, but the duties are carried out

You need to write a notice of the first meeting of a new committee of which you were appointed chair. What should be included in that notice?

A chair should remain objective and refrain from voting on issues.

You are the group leader and the group has just begun discussing merits of a possible solution when one member asks you, "Well, what do you think of this proposal?" Effective Group Discussion recommends that you reply

Even if a professional secretary writes minutes for a small group, the chairperson is still responsible for the accuracy of the minutes.

"Structuring discussion" includes which of the following leadership behaviors?

Establishing a climate of trust will do more than anything else to develop cooperation and teamwork among members.

Good leaders fight against member inequity and critical thinking.

It's imperative that ongoing committees keep accurate and comprehensive __________________ that serve as official summary records of the important content of meetings.

Matthew received a memo that outlined the purpose of the meeting; specific outcomes to be achieved; the agenda listing all items of business to be taken up; and any relevant facts, reading sources, or other preparation members should make prior to meeting. Matthew received a ___________________.