Group Dynamics

All of us at various times have been in group settings where everyone is involved in a discussion on one particular topic. An obvious example is a classroom where an instructor is leading the class and attempting to generate comments from the students. Another example is found at the work place where a meeting led by a boss with his or her staff members takes place. I am struck at how a similar dynamic occurs in these different settings. The person at the head of the room attempts to lead the meeting by tossing out questions or points of discussion. Often, they end up getting responses or comments from a tiny portion of the group while the majority sit in silence. On a number of occasions I have been that person at the front of the room trying to elicit discussion as well as been that person sitting behind a desk or around the table who is on the receiving end of the overtures from the teacher or the boss. I remain fascinated by what I view as an undercurrent of maneuvering that goes on in these kind of settings.

Generally, those who speak up do so because they feel what they have to say contributes to the conversation. High five to them. But then there are others who, in my view, simply speak to be heard. Their comments either are off-point or a reiteration of what was just stated moments before. Thumbs-down to them. Contributing to or adding onto points that have already been made is not easy. It requires planning and original perspective and even fact-based thinking. Additionally, there is a level of competition in such a dynamic that cannot be ignored. For instance, in such a group, obviously not everyone can speak at once. As a result, there is a possibility someone who speaks might state something others were planning to say. That leaves those individuals with the challenge of trying to come up with something that does not appear to simply echo what was just stated.

If one is about to enter into such a group setting, either as a student or a staff member, then what strategies can you formulate to combat against being thought of as someone who talks just to be heard or talks even though they may have nothing of substance to say? One obvious strategy is to be prepared. Have a good grasp of the pertinent issues. Being knowledgeable can help overshadow not being a smooth talker. If people sense you are a person who knows what you are talking about, then they are much more likely to pay attention to you. Another strategy is to enter the meeting or assembly with several points to make just in case another person touches on a point you were hoping to raise. Finally, a third strategy is to be a listener. Pay attention to what others are saying. In these kind of settings, one key goal is to advance the topic. You can only do that if you have a good understanding of what contributions -good and bad - others before you have tried to make. Preparation is the key. People communicate most effectively when they are well prepared.