How to improve discussion skills

As a manager it is important to have open discussions at the work place.All should be able to share an opinion without repercussions.The discussion helps in the decision making process and is not the place to show ones intellect or power.As a manager you will be responsible to foster a good open discussion.

The purpose of a discussion helps the group make a decision or come to a conclusion.You will also find that it clarifies everyone's knowledge on the subject and it helps others to understand the subject more deeply.Furthermore, when others are allowed in the discussion process or in other words the decision making process, they feel ownership for the decision and they try that much harder to make the solution work.

At work you may find two types of discussions.You may have a need for formal discussion and informal discussions.A formal discussion would be a scheduled meeting where you have an agenda and a goal in mind for the discussion.Informal discussions happen every day.An employee may notice something and need some direction on the proper way to handle the decision.Other employees get involved and offer advice and opinions and talk about the issue.

Informal Discussions
Remember that just because a person is more vocal than others does not mean his idea is better.Some employees will be very out going and want their opinions to be heard while others even though they may be more experienced may be more reserved in their speaking.

These informal discussions may take place during the lunch hour or they may happen on company time.As a manager, you must decide if the discussion warrants company time.You may want to limit the amount of discussion on the job and schedule a time so that everybody can participate in the discussion.

You will want to watch how your group interacts with each other.Do employees make critical comments?How do they ask questions?How do they disagree with or support the topic?What phrases are used to show politeness even when they are voicing disagreement?How do they signal to interrupt, ask a question or make a point?

You will find that your employees have an established discussion method and pecking order.They probably refer to an employee that has more experience and may be afraid to disagree with him or her.Notice these tendencies so you can facilitate when needed.Make a point to ask some of the other people their opinions.
You may find it difficult to break some of the bad habits that the group has developed over time.If this is the case, you may need to have a short class about discussions.Explain to them the importance and benefits of discussions and why all people need to have input.Then gather agreement from them on how you would like to see these discussions handled in the future.They may revert to their old habits, but this is when you step in and give them direction on how to better handle the discussion.

Formal Discussions
These discussions are usually held in an office and have more of an agenda associated.You may also want to have a short class on how these discussions should be held.They can be a little more structured so it is easier to facilitate.For instance, depending on the size of the group, you could require each person to give their thoughts on the subject.You may want to start with the more reserved people or they may just copy what they more experienced people say.

Also, be careful that these discussions are not so structured that people do not feel able to be creative and give new ideas.

In summary, to improve discussion skills out your place of business you may want to start by watching how the discussions are currently handled.You may then want to hold a class to show your employees what you would like to see in the future.Pay particular attention to the people who currently do not participate in the discussions.