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Tip 372: Summarize frequently. |
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Whether or not you see your official role as the summarizer or leader, if no one takes on that role, do so. To keep the discussion moving on target, somebody has to recap what's been said and point out the next topic for discussion. |
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Tip 373: Call for a process check occasionally. |
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At times, the group process will stall. You'll be talking in circles, covering the same territory. You'll hear tempers flare. You'll feel that people are under personal attack. You'll notice that you are deciding, undeciding, and redeciding the same issues. Be the one who calls attention to such breakdowns: "We don't seem to be getting anywhere. Let's see where we got off track. We had started to brainstorm, the Y issue. Does somebody have a more effective suggestion for moving us along?" |
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Tip 374: Remind yourself and the group that all ideas are not created equal. |
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In the course of any one discussion, team members may generate several suggestions for dealing with a problem. Don't fall into the trap of giving them all equal billing with something like: "Okay, we have five alternatives on the table. Let's discuss the pros and cons of each." In many situations, only two or three of the many ideas offered are serious contenders. Don't waste your time with all the details of the other, lesser ideas. |
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Tip 375: Use the "What a baby!" response. |
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Doctors, politicians, and pastors have perfected this technique. The proud father stands outside the hospital nursery looking through the glass at his red, wrinkled newborn. He nudges the doctor beside him, "Well, what do you think, doc?" To which the doctor replies, "What a baby!" |
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When someone presents an idea that you don't approve of or one that seems inappropriate, don't feel you have to accept it or take time discussing it. After they finish speaking, look at them a moment and say something like: "That may be true." "That's another idea." "Interesting.'' "Some people seem to think so." "Possibly." "Hmmm." Then break eye contact and move on. That person will rarely know how to take the comeback. |
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