Moderator Duties
Groups are more effective than individuals in problem solving because:
they have more information,
they can think in a greater variety of ways.
- The objective of the Moderator is to ask questions that will bring out the information permitting the group to understand the problem and suggest possible solutions to the problem.
- The Moderator’s function is to stimulate problem solving behavior of others rather than try to solve the problem as the Moderator.
- Moderator must maintain a sense of time so as to make sure the Presenter obtains the most out of the allotted time.
- The time limit per presentation is ten minutes; however, the Moderator may continue the presentation if it is productive.
- The Moderators questioning technique encourages the Presenter to remain flexible and open to ;new ideas and even to accepting a redefining of clients problem.
- The Moderator must have an awareness of the power that is exercised in front of the group. The Moderator has the ability to influence the direction of the solutions and the response of the problem.
- The Moderator must make sure the problem is understood before asking for solutions.
The Moderator should ask for and give more time to the unusual ideas, protect the individuals with unpopular ideas from unfavorable group pressure. - The Moderator should not listen to evaluate - look for weaknesses and instances in which ideas would not be appropriate. The Moderator should listen to summarize or focus attention on grasping the meaning the participant is striving to express.
- Moderators discourage negative ideas and “Would you takes”. Quantity without judgment is the goal of brainstorming.
- The moderator never attacks the Presenter (puts Presenter down); however, the Moderator does insist that questions be answered forthrightly and clearly. The unwritten rule of marketing groups is to “Tell it as it is”.
