Identify topics for discussion that members want to cover at
upcoming meetings. Individuals volunteer to prepare a presentation
or questions that will help group members delve deeper into the
topic.
Set aside time at the beginning of each meeting to let people share
successes and other good news.Periodically conduct a team-building activity.- Share these additional tips for success:
Avoid allowing outsiders to attend, unless they are needed as
presenters.
On a quarterly basis, evaluate how the group is functioning. Review
what you have discussed and accomplished in the recent meetings.
Review your purpose and guidelines and update as needed.You will find that some individuals will want or need to drop out
because of other commitments or a shift in their professional goals.
It is important that others in the group understand and not resent
this change. Be sure to recognize this person’s contributions at their
final meeting.
Consider naming a replacement. This is difficult on the remaining
group members as well as someone new because the group now
has a shared history. It is possible to make this transition, however.
Review the criteria for membership, and brainstorm to come up
with a list of individuals who meet the criteria. Assign someone to
give the new person some background on group members, review
the guidelines, and explain anything else that will help him or her
integrate.Step 4: Begin establishing the group. Explain that there are several ways to form
the group. For example, if you used “work teams” in the workshop for
portions of your modules, ask those people if they’d like to continue as
a group.
Another way is to ask participants to state the kind of group they
would like to be in, such as, “Others in my telecommunications
industry,” “Others who work in my part of the city,” or “A group of
only women.” Some people might wish to form a group around a
specific topic or issue. Once individuals explain what they are proposing,(^68) THE LEADERSHIP TRAINING ACTIVITY BOOK