Section I: FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS AND CHOICES IN GROUP DISCUSSION

1. Introduction to Group Discussion and the Standard Agenda
Perspectives on Group Discussion / What Will This Book Do for You? / The Value of Procedure / Where Will You Use Group Discussion? / Communication Components / Functions of Groups / Motivations for Being an Effective Group Member / Overview of the Standard Agenda / Why the Standard Agenda? / How to Learn about Group Discussion / An Intercultural Note / The Choices Are Yours

2. Understanding the Group as a System
The Systems Perspective / Why the System Might Not Work / Making the System Work

3. Exploring the Group System
Input Elements / Process Elements / Outcome Features

4. Individual Choices That Affect the System
Rhetorical Sensitivity / Perception / Verbal Communication / Listening / Nonverbal Communication / Choices and Consequences

5. Your Group Discussion Toolbox
Types of Decision Making / Problem-Solving Models / Planning and Running Meetings

6. Making Effective Choices When Leading
Brief Overview of Leadership Theories / Characteristics of Good Leaders / Selecting and Shaping a Leader / Remaining Effective as a Leader / Leadership Planning and Preparation / Strategies for Leading

7. Creating a Constructive Climate and Managing Conflict
Role of Conflict in Discussion / Disruptive vs Constructive Conflict / Components of Constructive Climate / Types of Conflict / Conflict Resolution Styles / Groupthink / Troubleshooting

Section II: HOW TO USE THE STANDARD AGENDA

8. Standard Agenda Step One: Understanding the Charge
STEP ONE GOALS / Understanding the Charge / Ascertaining Your Authority / Assess Your Resources / Knowing When You Are Done / Legitimacy of Topics / OUTCOMES OF STEP ONE / Written Record of the Group's Understanding / Questions about the Charge / MEMBER TASKS IN STEP ONE / Becoming Familiar with Colleagues / Exercising Your Options / LEADER OBLIGATIONS IN STEP ONE / Choosing a Leadership Style / Preparing for the Leadership Role / Setting a Leadership Tone / Taking Leadership Responsibility / Wrapping It Up / An Unspoken Contract for Serious Group Problem Solving

9. Standard Agenda Step Two: Understanding and Phrasing the Question
STEP TWO GOALS / Exploring the Background of the Problem / Phrase the Question / Types of Questions / OUTCOMES OF STEP TWO / MEMBERS TASKS IN STEP TWO / LEADER OBLIGATIONS IN STEP TWO

10. Standard Agenda Step Three: Fact-Finding
STEP THREE GOALS / Getting Started / Basic Questions / Criteria for Evaluating Information / Additional Considerations / Using Language / OUTCOMES OF STEP THREE / Answering Basic Questions / MEMBER TASKS IN STEP THREE / LEADER OBLIGATIONS IN STEP THREE

11. Standard Agenda Step Four: Setting Criteria and Limitations
STEP FOUR GOALS / How to Develop Criteria / Defining the Terms / Prioritizing Criteria / How to Determine Limitations / OUTCOMES FOR STEP FOUR / MEMBER TASKS FOR STEP FOUR / LEADER OBLIGATIONS IN STEP FOUR

12. Standard Agenda Step Five: Discovering and Selecting Solutions
STEP FIVE GOALS / Brainstorming / Evaluating Solutions against Criteria / Selecting the Best Solution / Implementation Plan / OUTCOMES OF STEP FIVE / MEMBER TASKS IN STEP FIVE / LEADER OBLIGATIONS IN STEP FIVE

13. Standard Agenda Step Six: Preparing and Presenting the Final Report
STEP SIX GOALS / Preparing the Final Report / Presenting the Final Report / OUTCOMES OF STEP SIX / MEMBER TASKS IN STEP SIX / LEADER OBLIGATIONS IN STEP SIX / Final Thoughts