The Swiss Army Knife
Situation
Potential problem solver for:
- Group composition hindering good discussions
- Group stuck in discussion
- One person too dominant in group
- A group on the wrong track with task or missed some information and you as Leader want to address it without saying what is wrong
Solution
Exchange a member between two groups in the middle of their discussion. The participants may find it strange the first time, but usually get used to it quickly. The reason for the exchange can be expressed as you as a Leader want them to learn more by explaining their thoughts on the task to a new person (independent of the real reason you are doing the switch). In fact, the explanations given by remaining group members for a new member often vitalizes the discussion, which is another advantage with the method.