Question

a participant-observer is an ideal group member. specify the purpose(s) of being an observer. Also provide one example of a behavior a group member çould perform as a result of being observant.

Answer 1

A group member, being the ideal, may participate as an observer due to several reasons, like:

1. He/she wants to demonstrate openness to new/innovative ideas or perspective being put forth by other team members.

2. He/she wants to skillfully listen to other group members to arrive at a concensus or conclusion.

3. He/she may want to evaluate the understanding of the new members of the group.

4. He/ she is seeking a solution to the problem which requires out of the box thinking.

Behavior of a group member who is observant:

1. He/she has an eye for detail and is bringing to the fore matters being overlooked by other members.

2. He/she may bring up different scenarios or possibilities for a given situation.

3. He/she may give more clarity and supportings to the valid reasoning of other members.

4. He/ she may steer the discussion and bring it back to main issues whenever there is a tendency to digress or when focus diverts to other lesser relevant matters.