SMALL GROUP COMMUNICATION Bellringer: Do you prefer to work in groups or alone? Write down the pro’s and con’s when working in a group.

5 Steps to Solving Problems: 1st Step – DEFINE THE PROBLEM This involves answering basic questions about the problem such as the following: What is the specific problem? Where is the problem? When did the problem start? Who is involved in the problem

2nd Step – ANALYZE THE PROBLEM Continued: 2nd Step – ANALYZE THE PROBLEM The typical questions in this step are: What is the cause of the problem? What is the result of the problem? What methods are being used now to deal with the problem?

3rd Step – PROPOSE SOLUTIONS Continued: 3rd Step – PROPOSE SOLUTIONS This is generally a brainstorming session, where participants throw out ideas quickly without critiquing them.

4th Step – EVALUATE THE PROPOSED SOLUTIONS Continued: 4th Step – EVALUATE THE PROPOSED SOLUTIONS They examine each of the proposed solutions in detail and list the advantages and disadvantages of each solution. They look at short-term and long-term effects of the solution.

5th Step – SELECT ONE SOLUTION (BEST) Continued: 5th Step – SELECT ONE SOLUTION (BEST) If the group has done a thorough job in the previous steps, they should have enough information to make a final decision. They will have to compare the ease of implementation and overall effect of the various solutions.

DECISION MAKING METHODS: CONSENSUS – All members support a decision Win-Win situation MAJORITY – Most members of the group make the decision Democratic decision Win-Lose situation

MINORITY – COMPROMISE – Continued: A few members make a decision for all COMPROMISE – Given the diversity of opinions, individuals give up something so the group can come to a best solution Lose-Lose Situation

EXPERT – AUTHORITY – Continued: The perceived expert is given power to make decisions AUTHORITY – One person makes a decision for all Usually the Leader of the group