Group discussions are one way to share ideas, knowledge and experiences with other people. In group discussions, we can get various points of view and perspectives that we may not have known before. However, group discussions can also give rise to differences of opinion and conflict between participants. How should we behave in group discussions when various opinions arise?
One of the important attitudes in group discussions is being a good listener. Being a good listener means we are willing to listen to what other people have to say attentively, without interrupting, judging, or attacking. Being a good listener also means that we are willing to respect other people's opinions, even if they are different or contrary to ours. By being a good listener, we can understand other people's intentions and reasons, and show respect and empathy.
How to Be a Good Listener in Group Discussions
Good listeners can understand others' points of view, provide constructive feedback, and contribute positively to group dynamics. Here are some ways to be a good listener in group discussions:
Focus on the speaker
Don't be distracted by other things, such as your cell phone, laptop, or people around you. Show interest and respect by looking the speaker in the eye, nodding, and saying words like "yes," "I understand," or "interesting."
Listen with an open mind
Don't immediately reject or criticize ideas that are different from yours. Try to understand the reasons and evidence behind these ideas, and look for common ground or similarities with your views. If you have questions or objections, wait until the speaker has finished speaking before you convey them politely and politely.
Give positive and constructive feedback
Don't just say what is wrong or bad about the ideas presented, but also appreciate what is good and right. Provide suggestions or solutions that can help improve these ideas, and show your support or cooperation. Avoid words that attack or belittle others, such as "that's stupid," "that doesn't make sense," or "that's impossible."
Ask in-depth and relevant questions
Questions can help you to better understand the ideas presented, explore aspects that have not been revealed, or test the validity and consistency of these ideas. Questions can also show your interest and involvement in the discussion, as well as stimulate critical and creative thinking among group members. Use open-ended questions that ask for explanations, examples, reasons, or evidence, such as "how did you come to that conclusion?", "what would be the impact if your idea was implemented?", or "what are your sources of information?".
Follow the flow of the discussion
Don't jump from one topic to another without a clear connection or order. Follow the theme or agenda set by the group, and don't stray too far from the main topic. If you want to bring a new or additional topic, make sure that the previous topic has been discussed, and ask for permission or approval from other group members.
Benefits of Being a Good Listener in Group Discussions
Being a good listener in group discussions has many benefits, including:
Improve communication skills
By listening well, we can understand what other group members are saying more clearly and accurately, provide feedback that is constructive and appropriate to needs, and avoid misunderstandings or conflicts that can damage relationships or disrupt the discussion process.
Improve the quality of discussions
By listening well, we can capture important points conveyed by other group members, new ideas that can enrich insight or knowledge, or creative solutions that can help solve problems or challenges faced by the group. In addition, by listening well, we can make relevant and useful contributions to group discussions, whether in the form of questions, suggestions, criticism or support.
Improve interpersonal relationships
By listening well, we can show respect, empathy, and appreciation for other group members, and build better trust and cooperation. In this way, we can create a comfortable, harmonious and productive group discussion atmosphere.
What is our attitude in group discussions when various opinions arise?
A good attitude in group discussions is to be open, critical and cooperative. Being open means we are willing to accept and consider opinions that differ from ours, without rejecting or attacking them directly. Being critical means we are willing to evaluate and compare existing opinions, without assuming absolute right or wrong. Being cooperative means that we are willing to work together with other group members to find a solution or agreement that can be accepted by all parties.
By being open, critical and cooperative, we can improve the quality of group discussions and avoid conflict or division. Group discussions are not an opportunity to win or beat other people, but rather an opportunity to learn and develop together.
What We Should Do If Our Opinions Are Not Accepted by Other Group Members
In situations like this, we must remain calm and unemotional. We should try to understand other group members' points of view by listening to their arguments carefully and asking if anything is unclear. We must respect differences of opinion and not feel offended or angry if someone disagrees with us. We must also express our opinions clearly and politely, and provide reasons and evidence to support them.
We can provide concrete examples or relevant statistical data to strengthen our argument. We should not attack or ridicule members of other groups who have different opinions, because that will damage cooperative relations. We must be open and flexible, and willing to listen and accept constructive criticism or suggestions. We can ask questions or provide better alternative solutions if someone is not satisfied with our opinion.
We must also look for common ground or compromise solutions that can satisfy all parties. We can vote, discuss or negotiate to reach a mutual agreement. In this way, we can handle situations where our opinions are not accepted or appreciated by other group members well and professionally.
Therefore, by being open, critical and cooperative, we can improve the quality of group discussions and avoid conflict or division. Group discussions are not an opportunity to win or beat other people, but rather an opportunity to learn and develop together. We can also improve our quality as individuals and members of society.
