the Top Three Groups Frustrations!

during the past two weeks we've all had quite a large dose of group work. not only with the module itself, but also with discussions in the entire class (guidelines, studentkår etc.). now, with the group assignment done and the deadline passed, I've finally had some time to reflect on the experiences made during this time. a few things come to mind that, for me, can be quite frustrating with groups. so here it is, the Top Three Group Frustrations List!

FRUSTRATION #1: TALKING IN CIRCLES
you're sitting in a group meeting and everyone is giving their opinions on what the group is up to. but nothing actually happens. after Person A says something, Person B goes on to adress an entirely different topic. so many views and opinions come out about so many different things that what you're really talking about is, essentially, nothing at all.
possible solutions: make sure everyone is on the same page, but how? dare to slam the fist into the table and say "this is what we should be doing", but then again, isn't the problem exactly that this is what everyone in the group is already doing? dare to step back and let things work out, but then again, will they if this group behaviour continues? try to establish rules and guidelines for group communication, but who died and made you king?

FRUSTRATION #2: INTERRUPTING
during group meetings, group members keep interrupting each other. this rapidly creates a climate of verbal "law of the jungle", where the quickest and strongest speaker gets to set the agenda. frankly I'm quite surprised that this happens so frequently! and with people who respect and like each other, as well!
possible solutions: STFU. there, you have it. this one is actually sort of a no-brainer. before the meeting starts, make sure that everyone agrees on letting everyone else finish their sentence when speaking! elect someone to keep track of who's next to speak. this is basic meeting strategy, for crying out loud! we've tried this in some of the groups I've been involved with, and my experience is that it vastly focuses the discussion. "we don't need rules to regulate our hip informal friendly style" you say, but really, I think we do. try it and you'll see.

FRUSTRATION #3: LOST IDEAS
in some of the meetings, a good idea is proposed and then lost in the stream of conversation. way I see it, this has two reasons; a) the person who proposes the idea fails to enforce it or explain it properly, and b) someone else in the group just doesn't listen and quickly changes the subject. of course, both of these reasons are true most of the time.
possible solutions: adressing #1 and #2 above should go a long way towards changing this problem, as they (in theory) would create a meeting environment where things move in a more focused, rational way. however, I'd also like to encourage group members to really think about how they present an idea. do it clearly, like you're talking to an idiot (although you're not; you're actually being very respectful towards the other group members). do it slowly but forcefully. when someone presents an idea, listen. don't think about your next argument or something else entirely; listen to the person speaking and analyze their idea. then give feedback on the idea, not on the person!

that's my Top Three. what's yours? the same? something completely different? what do you think of the proposed solutions? do you have new ones or do you disagree? let's hear it! =)