Handout 5: Team Observation Sheets
EXPLORER
Your assignment is to observe when group members are EXPLORING.
They may do this by:
- Brainstorming new ideas.
- Building upon the ideas of others.
- Imagining what the particular effect of an idea might be.
- Always focusing on the "big picture."
You may hear an EXPLORER say something like:
- "Wouldn't it be great if..
- "That's a good point, but we might want to take it a step further."
- ""Here's another idea!" "I can just see it now!"
Or, they may do something like:
- Speak passionately.
- Sketch out ideas.
- Participate with enthusiasm.
Your assignment is to observe when group members are CARETAKING.They may do this by:
- Agreeing with a team member.
- Expressing respect for team members, even though they disagree.
- Encouraging another team member to speak up.
- Recognizing the contributions of team members who do not speak up as much.
You may hear a CARETAKER say something like:
- "I hadn't thought of that before. What a good idea."
- "I second that suggestion."
- "I know you've put careful thought into your proposal, but I'm still concerned about...
- "Otto looks like he has something to say."
- "We should give more thought to that good idea Nikki had a while back."
- "We haven't heard from Inez yet"
- "Where do you stand on this?"
Or, they may do something like:
- Nod to show that they agree or at least are listening.
- Speak respectfully and courteously.
- Look over to quieter team members to see if they have something to say.
- Whisper encouragement to a shy team member.
PEACEKEEPER
Your assignment is to observe when group members are PEACE KEEPING.
They may do this by:
- Summarizing the view of opposing team members to point out where they agree.
- Helping both sides in a disagreement step back and reflect.
- Settling emotional arguments so the team can get back to work on the problem.
- Summing up a conflict so that everyone in the team can focus on the actual points of agreement and disagreement.
- Helping team members find common ground.
- Moving the discussion to the points where there is agreement.
You may hear a PEACE KEEPER say something like:
- "Let me see if I understand you both..."
- '"If I may. I'd like to restate both of your positions to make sure that we're all following this discussion."
- "You both seem to be saying the same thing, but in different words."
- "You're not that far apart..."
- "Both of you seem to be arguing for a logical approach to our problem."
- "Everyone seems to agree that we've got to make a decision now to meet our deadline. How should we do that?"
Or, they may do something like:
- Use body language that reaches out to two disagreeing team members.
- Reach out in the direction of disputing team members.
- Speak up in a calm and neutral manner.
INVESTIGATOR
Your assignment is to observe when group members are INVESTIGATING.
They may do this by:
- Making factual observations.
- Looking at the pros and cons of an idea.
- Challenging a suggested idea to make sure it is understood.
- Thinking of what could happen if an idea is adopted.
You may hear an INVESTIGATOR say something like:
- "We have to remember why we are doing this."
- "That approach may be different, but that doesn't mean we can't consider it."
- We need to look at this from the perspective of children (parents or others)."
- Let s stick to the issues."
- "Have we considered this from every angle?"
- "Before we make this decision, where do we need to get opinions'?"
Or, they may do something like:
- Speak assertively, from the gut.
- Serve as a reality check for the group.
- Urge the group to develop new horizons.
MANAGER
Your assignment is to observe when group members are MANAGING.
They may do this by:
- Focusing the group's attention on how it is functioning.
- Reminding the group to keep "on track."
- Offering feedback on what has been accomplished so that the group continues to move in a positive direction.
- Summing up the discussion to clear up confusion and/or give the group time to reflect.
- Boosting group morale by reminding everyone of the progress they have made.
You may hear a MANAGER say something like:
- "So far we've only listened to the opinions of two people. What do all the others have to say?"
- "I'm having a hard time following the discussion, because no one is getting a chance to finish their statements."
- We re having a lot of fun here, but we need to get back to our problem solving."
- "By going around the table like we did, everyone's had a chance to speak. As a result, we have a lot of great ideas to work with."
- "We're cooking now!"
- "This might be a good time to review the suggestions that have been made so far. Should I read them back to the group?"
- "Two of us like Plan A and three of us like Plan B. What should we do now?"
- "Okay we've solved all the problems but this last one."
Or, they may do something like:
- Refer back to the agenda or guidelines for the group.
- Refer to notes taken during the discussion.
- Use a diagram or outline to show the group what they have discussed or accomplished so far.
- "Take charge."