Monday, September 24, 2012
Small Group Observer
According to the book, small group consultants or observers can offer insight from a different perspective from the rest of the group. Corporations have realized that observers can help groups develop, and have started using observers to evaluate small groups. Using an observer or consultant is beneficial for groups because they don't have a stake in the outcome and can evaluate the group's process and skills from a more neutral standpoint. The book also talks about assigning one of the group members to be the observer when an outside observer is unavailable. This is a less desirable option in the sense that it is hard to participate and evaluate a group at the same time, but giving each member a chance to evaluate the group can provide an opportunity for self reflection as well as group assessment. When one person from a group is able to step back and evaluate a group, he or she can see which strategies and processes work, and which ones don't. These kinds of observations can help each member of the group improve down the line.
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We seem to have a lot of similarities with our posts. I like the example you used regarding corporations using observers within their small groups. It is a smart move for corporations to do so because, like you said, it gives them a neutral outsider’s perspective since they are not gaining or losing anything depending on what the company decides to do. It is a little awkward having someone there to observe you but in the end it is definitely beneficial. I did a group project once where I got assigned to be an observer for my group, but I still had to put in my input and make decisions. This was difficult because it only really allowed me to see one side of things since I was still involved in the group. Nice job on your post!
ReplyDeleteHi Burgs, I really enjoyed reading your insights on small group observers. I too agree that it is extremely beneficial when someone is able to observe your group and offer advice from an outside perspective from the rest of the group. Even corporations have realized this, and are now bringing in observers that ultimately help groups develop in a positive manner. I like how you mentioned that it is beneficial for an observer to come into small groups because they don't have a stake in the outcome. I agree with this statement because the group's evaluation come from a neutral standpoint rather than people within the group which can cause a lot of pressure that affects the process of the group. I also liked how you mentioned a second option to a group observer if an outside observer is unavailable. In my post, I focused solely on the outside observer so I'm glad you were able to mention this concept in your discussion. The outside observer can't always be there when needed, so it's healthy to have an alternative choice. Although it is less desired, it does provide self reflection which can promote positive change of all individuals in a group member. I really liked how you mentioned that because it shows people that there are other options if you can't find an outside perspective. Regardless of who is an observer, it indeed can help improve the group in the future. Any kind of positive feedback is always welcomed and should be in any situation. These positive reinforcements can only make a group stronger.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it is extremely beneficial for the group to have an observer. By having a neutral person evaluating how taskful the group is together, they can easily pinpoint problems that can be fixed. I never used to use this tool before, but I firmly believe that it is very useful and a lot of corporations do use this. It does give an outside perspective of how the group is working and can easily pin point different problems that group members cannot seek out. Positive criticism can always help a group out, that is, if they can handle constructive criticism.
ReplyDeleteThis post is actually tough to distinguish itself from the book, but I don't blame you there was not a lot in the book that we could work with. The most I can say is that I agree that consultants are great to use since they don't take part in the group's ethical reflections and can give us their ideas in what you call a “neutral standpoint” I like the use of neutral standpoint, I wish I used that term too haha. I do not totally agree with your opinion on having to become an observer yourself during a group project, sometimes I actually like to take the field trips on my own to deliver information to my group, but I do agree that the pressure of two jobs can be annoying.
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