I need advice about how to lead a group discussion about the advantages of teamwork for a selection inteview.?

Question

This is part of the selection process for a probation service job. I think I can cope ok with the advantages of team work bit but i havent had much experience of leading group discussions although i have done some presentation work to groups. Does any body know of any useful reading material or websites to look at please?

Answer 1

I think that the trick to leading the discussion is to have a plan and to make sure it keeps moving.

1) Either brainstorm some ideas of sub-topics before the discussion, or do this as the first activity in the discussion, so you have an idea of where the discussion might go. Another idea is to come up with some goals for the discussion i.e. the goal is to be able to list the top 3 advantages of teamwork.
2) Work your way through the sub topics, be sure to keep things moving so each topic gets some airing but so that you don't get stuck.
3) Try and make sure everyone is participating and no-one is dominating. Direct questions to the quieter members of the groups like 'what do you think about this?' and make sure they are allowed to answer without being interrupted. Ask more pushy types not to interrupt and to allow everyone to finish speaking.
4) If there is a lively debate going on and everybody is enjoying it then don't interrupt it, but do step in if things are getting boring, or too emotional and move things along to a new topic.
5) Taking a flip chart and a big pen along to jot down key point, & cross stuff off would be useful.

Best of luck

Answer 2

let's face it... discussions are sooooo boooriiinngg!!!!
when it comes to things like that, our organization have developed a very strategic plan...
"LESS talk... MORE action"
think of a creative way in which you can show a teamwork... create a simple story with teamwork as the main topic... you can act it out (it's your choice, anyway) or if it's really intended to be discussion, narrate it to them... at the end of the story tell them your realization... the world is not created this beautiful by a reading material or a website, it is based on individuals experience... what i am trying to say is you can use your own or others experience where you or they have succeeded through teamwork...

Answer 3

Stun them.

Give them a standard questionaire about teamwork. Get them to complete it and then talk through the results.

It could be as simple as a left/right brain preference 'quiz'. This would be short but give you the opportunity to discuss validity of the test as well as the ability to say we need both types of brain to be a whole team.

Reference to other more detailed tests could show you understand the idea of teams, but that the ideas are broader than one perspective.

Remember to actively listen as well. It is about teams!

Answer 4

merely be effortless. Be type yet once you sense someone is taking benefit of your kindness, nip it contained in the bud, merely say "now you attempt to exploit my reliable nature, and that ain't gonna ensue." Be certain about it. in the adventure that they commence to argue or disagree with your statement, merely shrug and walk away using the undeniable fact that is the way you felt and so follow it. maximum individuals that use individuals are authentic authentic reliable at justifying their demands and transferring the guilt or blame onto you--do merely not enable that to ensue. it might want to point you'll often times ought to exhibit your prickly, steely aspect yet so be it. And when you're consistent each and each and every time, human beings will commence to appreciate that you've your limits and to not attempt to push you previous that. you'd be type lots of the time, merely comprehend the position your own limits are and stick with them, do not enable others push you round.