FCT Mitrovica - Mariska KAPPMEIER

More Than Words – Establishing Sustainability in Group Discussion A Presentation by Mariska Kappmeier, University of Hamburg

Problems – Group Discussion
Slow process
Chaotic or unstructured
Difficult to reach results

Benefits Group Discussion
Allows to develop Shared Visions between (antagonistic) participants
Boosts commitment and motivation of the participants
Bases the decision on the contribution of all participants and are therefore longer lasting

To reach these benefits, the group discussion HAS TO BE moderated
The role of the moderator is crucial

9 Guidelines When Moderating 3.) Remind about the overall goals/common interest! 4.) Encourage: Believe in a long-lasting solution 8.) Structure dialogue: Understanding interest on both side 6.) Foster trust 5.) Save face: Respect Values, Identity, Equality, Self-determination! 7.) No superficial compromises 9.) Develop concrete measure rather than abstract solution formula 2.) Avoid time pressure! 1.) Assume good intention and trustworthiness!

Two Extremes in the Moderation Option
Pushing for quick decision
Top-down implementation of the decision
Advantage:
Quick decision is reached,
Disadvantage:
Know-how and concern of group members gets ignored
Less like to sustain, because of lack in support
Create resistant and tension when implemented

Tolerating deliberate diligence
Bottom–up implementation of decision
Advantage:
The know how, concern and preference of each group member is taken into account
More likely to rise early red alerts, where possible problems and obstacles lies
Likely the majority of group member support the decision
Disadvantage:
Tend to take a long time and to be unproductive
Discussion runs try

Role of the Moderator
Provides structure for dialogue
Engages the participation of each group member
Keeps the balance between participant orientated and goal orientated style
Enables not only mutual decision but also relationship building

1. Contracting or Forming a Working Alliance 2. Collecting & Selecting Topics 4. Creating Action 5. Ensuring Sustainability 3. Understanding and Clarification The Process: Five Steps from Contract to Action

A guide to structuring the process Opening Closing 1) Objective of the step (e.g. First we set the agenda) 3) The next step would be (e.g. After collecting the topics, we’ll select the topics we want to work on next) 4) Agreement Is it Ok for you to move on? 2) Current status (e.g. We agreed to come together to talk about the water problem we’re facing in our communities)

Contracting or Forming a Working Alliance
Creating transparency
Objective and agenda
Fix time, location, scope
“ The next 1.5h we are meet to discuss how to ensure results and sustainability out of group discussions and negotiations”
Ensure that the group agrees
Explaining your role as a moderator
Will you just moderate? (Being in charge for the process?)
Will you also take part in the discussion by contributing input?

Key Notes Moderator
Preparation
Prepare the meeting
Create a tentative agenda
Adding topics from the participants
Possible questions: „If it would be only up to you, what would we discuss today and why?”
Process orientated, but also reveals motivations, wishes and concerns of the participants

2. Collecting and Selecting Topics
Collecting topics
Visualizing the issues
Rephrase critical statements into constructive statements
Selecting issues
Rated by the participants,
Possible rating criteria:
Most important
Most urgent
Easiest to work on
Etc.

What if there is disagreement?
If there is disagreement, ask what the underlying motivation is to choose a specific topic:
Why does it matter for the group to start with this specific topic?
Can reveal deeper lying concerns and needs!!! Be aware, this could open up a conflict mediation session, as a facilitator you steer the process
Possible Proposals
Can we start with topic A and then turn toward topic B? Would that work? If not, why not?
Assigned time 1hour for topic A, 1hour for topic B
Choose randomly (flip a coin)
Work with Caucasus groups
Each group prepares the topic that matter the most for them in break away groups
Etc.

3. Understanding and Clarification
Exploration of the interest, concern and wishes of the group behind the topic
What matter about the topic to each participants?
What impact has the topic for them?
What has to be consider about this issue?
Brings clarification of perceptions
Without moral assessment or conflict resolution
The participants should gain a understanding of the other participant’s perspectives

Key Notes Moderator
Ensurement that everybody is heard, also the quiet members
Channeled dialogue
No visualization
Summarizes the statements (interest, concern wishes) of the participants in during this step, so it won’t be forgotten
Deferral of Solutions!!!!

Channeled dialogue Explore the interests and concern of the parties

4. Creating Action
Development of cooperatively solutions, which are mutually accepted
Brainstorming
Based on the concern, fears and wishes raised red-alerts in Clarification
No superficial compromises

Key notes Moderator
Use of concrete question
Brainstorming
Concrete and binding agreements

or How can we in the future … (e.g. cooperate in the water supply), in order that… (our communities are served better), without … (without facing conflicts and violence) ? How can we in the future … , (e.g. cooperate) in order … (to improve the water supply), without on the one hand site … (fight to much) and on the other side … (harmonize everything) ? Concrete question

Brainstorming If there aren‘t any new ideas: Break and after that 2 nd round Invite to combine different ideas Use many options: Brainwriting, analogies, walk around, what would create the opposite effect etc. Separate groups to collect ideas Deferral of critics and discussions Create many ideas for solutions and do not focus on a single idea

4. Creating Action From Brainstorming to Action
Assess quickly where everybody stands:
Is there a mutual “best” solution?
Which is an obvious solution?
Rate the decision
Negotiate around the “sticky points”
Which conditions have to be meet, so everybody can agree?
How can you joint difference priorities?
Can you compensate for concessions?
No result?
Clarify, what could be the reason?
Back to brainstorming – try again

WHO? DOES WHAT WITH WHOM? UNTIL WHEN? How assessed ? Concrete and binding agreements

5. Sustaining the work
Risk assessment
If we move on with the plan – what could go wrong? Any red-alerts?
If the plan fails, how damaging is it?
Which measure do we need, to prevent the failing?
Development of action plans, if the conflict erupts again or if the conditions worsen again
What do we do, if the condition worsen?
How do we know that the condition worsen?
Guidelines for further cooperation
As a moderator – take on the role of the devil’s advocate and probe the solutions

9 Guidelines When Moderating 3.) Remind about the overall goals/common interest! 4.) Encourage: Believe in a long-lasting solution 8.) Structure dialogue: Understanding interest on both side 6.) Foster trust 5.) Save face: Respect Values, Identity, Equality, Self-determination! 7.) No superficial compromises 9.) Develop concrete measure rather than abstract solution formula 2.) Avoid time pressure! 1.) Assume good intention and trustworthiness!

Thank you for your attention Question? Comments?

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FCT Mitrovica - Mariska KAPPMEIER

by Forum for Cities in Transition on Jun 13, 2010

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FCT Mitrovica - Mariska KAPPMEIER — Presentation Transcript