There are a number of teaching methods designed to encourage wide
participation. One is to explain why everyone's participation is needed,
and to have a discussion around that, and to get everyone to agree to
participate at the outset. Teams need "ground rules" and ground rules
work best when everyone has input into them and everyone agrees to them.
Small group discussion can also be helpful in getting people to share
their opinions. Small groups can re-converge into large groups and
present their ideas and suggestions for further discussion. Even if the
more dominant members lead the "report back" on their group discussion,
other group members will have a say.
Asking everyone to write a suggestion on a flipchart list as they enter or
leave or go on break is also effective. In addition to posting
suggestions and comments, this method can be utilized to get feedback on
suggestions already listed (such as a checkmark for agree or an "x" for
disagree).
Going around the circle and getting everyone's response or suggestion can
work to get everyone's contribution in an orderly way.
If we can go back to the beginning for a moment, to laying the foundation
for teamwork, I would like to emphasize again that this is the stage in
which an atmosphere is created and processes are agreed upon. People need
to get to know each other well enough to share a sense of fellowship.
Reflection on and sharing personal goals can help team members get to know
one another's values and priorities. Team problem-solving and short-term,
concrete accomplishments can help to cement esprit de corps. Reflection
and discussion should focus on process--how did communication work, plans
and decisions get made, accomplishments get measured, and how can we do it
better?
Hope this is helpful, and I would like to hear your comments.
Genene Koebelin
koebelin@cwix.com
--koebelin <koebelin@cwix.com>
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