Leaders Give Equal Time

[SARN Memo for April 14, 2010]

Attention leaders: When your group is taking turns, make sure everyone gets a turn.

Plan ahead. Let people know the guidelines. For example: “Since we have 10 people, let’s each talk for about one minute. That’s enough time to say about two things.”

Be ready to gently cut people off if they are going way too long. For example: “Excuse me, John. Thanks for your ideas. Let’s hear from Jenny now.”

1. Group Activity: Practice Assertive Leading
2. Resource

• Respond to this memo!

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1. Group Activity: Practice Assertive Leading

Talk about the importance of everyone getting a chance to speak up. Talk about how sometimes one person—without meaning to—can talk on and on and not leave room for others to participate. Talk about how it’s the leader’s job to keep things moving (without hurting anyone’s feelings).

Then role-play a situation in which the discussion leader needs to make the difficult step of making space for others to talk. In this case, role-play a situation in which the group is going around each telling about one person important to them in their lives. Everyone is told he or she will have only about one minute and to just say one or two things. But one group member (the talker) is going on and on. The discussion leader intervenes, telling the talker (in a nice but firm manner) that it’s time for the next person.

Give each person who wants to have a chance to role-play as the discussion leader.

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2. Resource

Leading From the Middle
Use this self-led workshop to empower your group members to see themselves as leaders, and see leader qualities in others.

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