Introduction: Small Group Conversations Small groups are an essential building block to any future you want to create

Small group conversations are at the heart of Conversational Leadership, but there are several challenges to be overcome if they are to be effective. Small groups | Peter Block These are some of the factors that we need to be aware of and take into account when thinking about conversations in small groups: Blook Search … Continue reading Introduction: Small Group Conversations Small groups are an essential building block to any future you want to create

What Is the Optimum Group Size for a Conversation? More than five people and it is not a conversation

Deciding the optimum group size for a conversation or decision-making is critical in small group work. What is the optimum size? Over the years, in running my Knowledge Cafes, I have discovered through trial and error and observation that the ideal size of a group for interactive conversation is three or four people. At the … Continue reading What Is the Optimum Group Size for a Conversation? More than five people and it is not a conversation

Groupthink The desire for harmony in a group can result in irrational decisions

Groupthink is a cognitive bias that occurs when group members prioritize harmony and conformity over critical thinking and independent decision-making, leading to poor decision-making and a lack of creativity. Groupthink is a phenomenon that occurs when the members of a group make a decision or come to a conclusion without adequately considering all of the … Continue reading Groupthink The desire for harmony in a group can result in irrational decisions

Group Polarization The tendency for a group to make decisions that are more extreme than the initial inclination of its members

Group polarization is the tendency for group discussions to result in a more extreme version of the group’s initial position due to a lack of consideration for alternative viewpoints and a tendency to advocate for one’s views. Group polarization is a phenomenon that occurs when the members of a group become more extreme in their … Continue reading Group Polarization The tendency for a group to make decisions that are more extreme than the initial inclination of its members

Social Loafing The tendancy to put less effort into a task when we are part of a group

What is social loafing? Social loafing primarily happens when we unconsciously or consciously put less effort into a task when part of a group than when working alone. Why does social loafing happen? Social loafing can happen when we feel our contributions will not be noticed or will not matter in the larger context of … Continue reading Social Loafing The tendancy to put less effort into a task when we are part of a group

Facilitator Bias ** A facilitator unwittingly influences a group

Facilitator bias refers to the tendency of a facilitator of group discussions to favor certain viewpoints or perspectives over others either consciously or, more frequently, unconsciously. This occurs when a facilitator has personal or professional biases that influence their ability to be neutral and unbiased. Facilitator bias can be detrimental to the effectiveness of group … Continue reading Facilitator Bias ** A facilitator unwittingly influences a group

Losing and Giving Face The fear of losing face is a significant barrier to open conversation in many cultures

What is the concept of face? The concept of “face” refers to the reputation and honor of an individual or group. It is a culturally-bound concept that is particularly important in many Asian societies, although it can also be found in other cultures worldwide. The idea of face is closely tied to a person’s status … Continue reading Losing and Giving Face The fear of losing face is a significant barrier to open conversation in many cultures

Social Silencing A phenomenon where people don’t speak up for fear of social exclusion

There are many reasons why people do not speak up. Social silencing is one of them. The spiral of silence or social silencing is a phenomenon where people who think they hold a minority opinion don’t speak up for fear of social exclusion. This silencing not only manifests itself in small group conversations but in one-to-one … Continue reading Social Silencing A phenomenon where people don’t speak up for fear of social exclusion

Psychological Safety ** A shared belief that within your team it is safe to take risks

Create psychological safety: Ensure people are safe for interpersonal risk-taking.  Psychological safety refers to the sense of confidence and trust that individuals feel in a social setting, particularly in the workplace. It is the belief that one can speak up and voice their thoughts and ideas without fear of reprisal or negative consequences. Psychological safety … Continue reading Psychological Safety ** A shared belief that within your team it is safe to take risks

Wisdom of Crowds of Crowds Crowds within a crowd outperform 'wisdom of the crowd'

The wisdom of crowds is the concept that large groups of people are collectively smarter than individuals regarding problem-solving, decision-making, and predicting. However, the method can be improved with the wisdom of crowds of crowds. In the concept of the wisdom of crowds, individuals in a group are privately asked to answer a question, such … Continue reading Wisdom of Crowds of Crowds Crowds within a crowd outperform ‘wisdom of the crowd’