Why use a consultant or an observer for a small group? (Remember, carefully think through your answer. Your final project is based on this very concept).
Using an outside consultant or observer is a great way to get new eyes on a situation. When a group uses a member that is actively involved to observe it causes conflict because they are evaluating their own situation. When a person is connected to something they tend to become biased and give feedback that is useless and very general. The reasons for this type of reply could be the fact that they believe they have a group with no problems or they simply cannot see the problems. Another problem is that people do not want to hurt other peoples feelings and cause drama or trouble. They will not say anything of use because they dont want to add conflict. Having an outside observer brings a fresh and new viewpoint to the situation. The observer can spot the problems and issues that member may not be able to detect. Issues such as content, critical thinking skills, communication and willingness to listen to others. These may seem like issue that group members can solve themselves but people often ignore issues that involve them. An observer will also be able to give proper feedback so that group members can get information and tips that are accurate and correct.
Hi Micah,
ReplyDeleteI definitely think the most important reason for having an observer or consultant it to be able to get insight from an outsider’s perspective. Someone who is not affiliated with the group will be able to take an unbiased view while observing and therefore, provide feedback and insight that you yourself may not have noticed. As well, you bring up a good point when you mention that someone who is already connected with a group may have a more difficult time providing feedback out of fear they may upset or hurt another member’s feelings. Overall, one you consider the pros and cons, it is clear that an outside observer is much more beneficial to the group as a whole.
I would also like to add that having an outside observer is also great because it takes away from having any inside influence on your group. In the book it said how having a a group member be an observer takes away from either the group task at hand or the observer task part at hand. Also, people inside the group may be comfortable within it's group that he or she feels that they don't want to be objective or criticize the group. Sometimes, if you read a groups feedback report on a group, they might be bias to say "we all did well" or "we all did our job" when really someone wasn't pulling their weight. It happens all the time. That's why its important to bring someone from outside the group to check in on them.
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