Principles for Leading an Informative Small Group Discussion

Timothy J. Kotowski serves as the national account manager for the Walmart sales of Monster Energy drinks. In his life outside of work, Timothy J. Kotowski participates in small groups at his house of worship.

One expert has identified four elements that make for an engaging faith-based learning experience. These principles also apply to many secular settings.

- Prioritize good questions over factual correctness. A skilled discussion leader asks open-ended questions, ones that lend themselves to answers beyond a simple yes or no. Timing is critical - while knowing the study material well is important and gives leaders confidence, answering a question too soon tends to stifle discussion and steer participants away from important nuances.

- Avoid thinking you have all the answers. Allow room for differing opinions and interpretations. There is no need to hide your point of view, but saving your opinion until later allows the discussion to go in new and sometime fruitful directions.

- Anticipate unanswered questions. If your inquiry stumps everyone, try rephrasing it from another angle. Complex questions are important, but people often need time to understand them.

- Be respectful of all views. Showing disdain for “wrong questions” makes people feel unappreciated and may send them away permanently. If someone asks a question that challenges the group’s core values, present support for those beliefs in a non-threatening way, even if it requires a later response. As long as the questioner is not trying to win converts to his or her own beliefs, communicate to them the reasons for these values.

- Keep the group focused. An off-topic question can sidetrack the discussion. Politely return the group to a productive direction by redirecting the question to others who will stay on topic.