tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5133094372127145968.post8924303840918680636..comments2023-07-13T05:50:17.393-04:00Comments on Communication :: Collaboration :: Consensus: Why should we break into small groups?Sandy Schumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373637046730424126noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5133094372127145968.post-38058452506649910312011-10-28T10:42:02.809-04:002011-10-28T10:42:02.809-04:00An interesting article on this topic from Barbara ...An interesting article on this topic from Barbara MacKay addresses: how do we deal with resistance to breaking into small groups, why do we break a larger group into smaller groups, and what are the steps we can take to create successful small group discussions. <a href="http://www.northstarfacilitators.com/2011/10/the-science-of-effective-small-group-discussions/" rel="nofollow">More</a>Sandy Schumanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04373637046730424126noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5133094372127145968.post-63387466736021936582011-02-24T17:11:17.466-05:002011-02-24T17:11:17.466-05:00This is a great list and additions. I tend to use...This is a great list and additions. I tend to use small groups for two primary purposes; quality conversation and parallel processing.Lander Stoddardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15954462617639806659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5133094372127145968.post-20253102619008400782010-08-12T22:19:52.685-04:002010-08-12T22:19:52.685-04:00Emily M. Passino said:
In our work with highly di...Emily M. Passino said:<br /><br />In our work with highly diverse groups with potential for the conflict described, we have found it useful to set the stage by having the large group reflect on the distinctions between the terms "advocate," "adversary," and "advisor." We affirm that each role can contribute to the decisions at hand, but that to optimize our decision making it is helpful for people to enter into the discussion with an attitude of inquiry - asking questions for clarity and understanding. We further note that in our experience, the size of the group tends to influence the type of communication, with the "inquiry" mode easier in the give and take of a small group. People get this, it is in line with their experience. So they are more comfortable with the notion of small groups for part of the process, and they are comfortable reminding each other in the small groups that asking and listening can be helpful.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5133094372127145968.post-52882942130052643252010-08-10T17:14:47.757-04:002010-08-10T17:14:47.757-04:002 other reasons come to mind:
In large group meet...2 other reasons come to mind:<br /><br />In large group meetings with (often hierarchical power dynamics), small groups provide a venue within which people can speak more freely about issues they may be hesitant to raise openly in front of management. A resulting benefit is that when reports are made, individuals are protected by the shelter of 'the group report'<br /><br />In meetings where participants speak different languages, and where some may not feel comfortable expressing themselves in the main workshop language, small groups allow people to gather in like-language groups to discuss issues in their mother tongues. While reports are then made in the main workshop language, participants have had the opportunity to engage with the issues and express things they likely would never raise in the large group environment.Michael Randelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12767220683517441434noreply@blogger.com