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Making Decisions

The way that a group makes decisions depends on the situation. Sometimes the leader will decide for the group, while at other times, the group collaboratively negotiates a solution. The group might also vote, doing whatever the majority decides. Formal meetings use the following process to vote on decisions:

  • Making a motion: One of the group members presents a decision for the group to consider: “I move that we proceed with the mascot change to the Eagles.”
  • Seconding the motion: Another group member shows support for the motion, indicating the matter should come to a vote: “I second the motion.”
  • All in favor/all opposed: The leader of the meeting then calls for a vote with an “aye” (yes) or “nay” (no), a show of hands, or some other method.
  • Motion passed/motion defeated: The leader indicates whether the votes were sufficient or insufficient to pass the motion. Some groups use a simple majority, and others require a unanimous vote.

Your Turn What meetings have you attended that used this procedure? How does it help groups come to decisions?

 

Resolving Conflicts

Conflicts often arise because of a simple misunderstanding. If you have a disagreement with another group member, try the following listening exercise:

Listening Strategy

  1. The first person gets one to two minutes to calmly explain his or her point of view and to list the reasons why his or her suggested course of action would be best.
  2. The second person then paraphrases the first person’s thoughts aloud, starting with “I hear you saying . . .” and ending with “Am I understanding you correctly?”
  3. If the answer is “no,” the first person has another 30 to 60 seconds to clarify his or her position.
  4. Once the first person is heard and understood, the process is repeated, with the second person getting one to two minutes to explain his or her point of view.
  5. Both sides should then work to find a cooperative solution. They might choose portions of each person’s plan to create a compromise.
  6. If the sides cannot reach a compromise, they should ask a third party, such as a teacher or guidance counselor, to mediate and help resolve the conflict.
 

Your Turn Think of a recent situation in which you and another person disagreed. Write a reflection about how the strategy above would have worked to resolve the conflict.

 
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