Helping Groups Get Unstuck

Simple questions can provide the traction participants may need to move from discussion to decision-making.

Approximate reading time: two minutes.

Ever sat in your car with the wheels spinning as they try to gain traction on ice or snow? 

If so, you know that getting moving often requires putting something under the wheels for traction or receiving a generous push from some passengers or passersby.

It is no different when groups get stuck in discussion and seem unable to make a decision. Often, introducing a simple question can refocus their thinking and conversations and help them get unstuck.  Here is a short list of some I find make it easier for groups to get in action.

Questions to provide traction or a push for stuck groups

• Which value(s) do you most want to advance and which option(s) are most aligned?

• Are there any perspectives or positions that haven’t already been considered that might help you move forward?

• What option(s) does the data most support?

• What is the most significant action you can commit to right now?

• Which option might have the greatest desirable impact?

• Who might best be served by each option?

• What information, if available to you, might help you make a decision?

• Which option do you think has the greatest likelihood of succeeding?  why?

• What is most keeping you from making a choice and what can we learn from that?

Have a question you find helps groups get unstuck? Please provide it in the comments for others to see.

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