Page 163 - FLL Virtual Binder 2018
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Team Discussion Skills
For teams to make sound decisions and generate commitment to those decisions, all team members need good discussion skills. Good meetings stimulate an environment for open, constructive discussion. These are the practices of good discussion skills:
Asking for Clarification
• When you’re unclear about the topic being discussed, use paraphrasing or analogies to ensure understanding.
• Use of analogies or examples is a good way to ensure proper clarification.
Gate Keeping
• Encourage equal participation and minimize anyone dominating the conversation.
Active Listening
• Listen with the intention of exploring and understanding rather than defending.
Summarizing
• Occasionally pause the discussion to summarize and ensure everyone is on track.
• Use of paraphrasing, or restating the thought in a different way, is required here
Staying on Topic
• Capture future ideas in the minutes to help keep the team focused on the task and topic.
• Focus the discussion on the meeting purpose and agenda items.
Managing Time
• Respect the time allotted for discussion items to ensure meetings begin and end on time.
Concluding the Discussion
• Bring each topic to a close by summarizing the group’s position and encouraging agreement for action going forward.
Front Line Leadership Module: High Performing Teams
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