Ch 8: Cutting Off and Drawing Out

Two broad situations when the leader will want to use cutting-off skills

1. When a member has the floor but is either rambling, storytelling, or avoiding going deeper 2. When a member is saying something inappropriate.

The leader has three possible decisions regarding cutting off in a situation where a member has the attention of the group

1. cut and stay with the person 2. cut and stay with the topic 3. cut and leave the person and topic

Reasons for Silent Members

Fear/Anxiety Thinking or processing Quiet by Nature Not mentally present Not prepared Confused Lack of trust or commitment to group Intimidation by a dominant member or leader

Reasons for drawing members out

Is to get greater involvement from the group members Is to help member who have a difficult time sharing in group

Important points about cutting off

Proper use of timing Proper use of voice Making sure to clarify that cutting-off may happen and why A Leader's nonverbal signals

True or False: Don't draw out unless it seems necessary

True

Skills to use for drawing out members

Using dyads Use of rounds Use of written exercises Use of eyes Use of movement

Situations that call for cutting off skills

When a member's comments conflict with the group's purpose. When a member is saying something hurtful When a member is saying something inaccurate When the leader wants to shift the focus When it is near the end of the session When members are arguing When members are rescuing other members

Other terms to describe cutting off

blocking and intervening

to lead an effective group, a leader must be willing and able to ___ ___ members when necessary

cut off

Do not _______ anyone's behavior other than your own.

guarantee

Drawing Out

is the term we use to refer to the skill eliciting group members' comments

When drawing out delicately the idea is to give members _____ to speak, without alienating them

permission

Don't let members argue unless it is _____ in some way for them or the group

productive

Cutting off when it nears the end of session

the leader sometimes has to cut off members to allow time for summarizing and ending the group promptly. When a member brings u p an emotional issue with little time remixing, a skilled leader will quickly cut off the member before he gets too far into the issue.