Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Refining concerns / needs in a timely way

[Kay Argyle (argyle]

Break-out groups are helpful.  Decide what size of discussion group will be
effective, divide that number into the total group, T/size = n, and count
off 1, 2, 3, ..., n, 1, 2, ... around the circle; all 1's meet in the dining
room (etc.), and report back in 15 minutes. Sometimes each subgroup is
assigned a particular aspect of the topic to discuss.  Following discussion,
select a spokesperson and report back to the whole group with a summary.

The technique has its own drawbacks, but can produce amazing results.  I
think our group could make use of it a lot more than we do.

Breaking apart and regrouping takes up time -- but doubles as a five-minute
break, leg stretch, and breather, so the group re-energizes.

For that matter, any change in discussion format breaks up the tedium, and
tends to bring out things other formats don't.  We get stuck in this rut of
round robin or stacking, then wonder why drawn-out meetings don't accomplish
anything.

Kay

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