It's tough to keep a small group focused. Each person has a different story, a different viewpoint, a different way of approaching a topic.
But getting sidetracked might just be the least of your worries. Sometimes, there are distractions that can affect a group's ability to keep their attention on the topic at hand. Here's the situation:
Everyone is just getting settled in. The conversation is beginning to get going and the group members are attentive. Suddenly, a phone rings...somebody else walks into the room to get something...somebody has to leave early. Now you have to work your way back.
Consider trying some of these ideas:
1. Try to make the room distraction free prior to your meeting.
If you are at someone's house, ask them to turn off the phone in the room, or not enter during the conversation portion of your time. Talk to your group members about turning off their cell phones or putting them somewhere that they won't disturb the group.
2. If your meeting area is full of distractions, consider meeting somewhere else.
Finding the appropriate place to meet may be almost as important as the content of your discussion. If distractions limit the flow of your discussion, it is time to move.
3. Keep in mind people's schedules so that group members can better commit to the whole meeting.
If someone in the group must consistently leave early and disturb the rhythm of your group time, you might want to move the group time. I would recommend doing this if there are more than two or three with similar conflicts. If you move the group time each week because someone has a conflict, no one will remember when the group is meeting.
4. The best piece of advice is this: whatever the interruption, don't lose your patience.
Nothing causes tension amongst group members more than a group leader that loses his or her patience. You can't lose your patience when the distractions occur. Simply handle them and move on. If you lose your cool, you'll probably have even greater difficulty bringing the group back to a point where they're ready to start the discussion again.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT: How do you handle the distractions?
SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT: What other distractions make it difficult to lead a small group discussion?
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Tim Milburn
Student Leadership Trainer & Tool Maker
www.studentlinc.net
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