How To Encourage Diverse Perspectives

Here are four quick-hit wildly practical ways to encourage more diverse perspectives in small groups.

1. Be the Traffic Cop in Facilitation

As a facilitator, think of yourself as a traffic cop at a construction site, directing the flow of conversation. If someone is dominating the discussion, gently interject with phrases like, "I love that perspective. Before we move forward, let's hear more views to get a full picture before making decisions." This approach effectively balances participation, ensuring everyone's voice is heard.

2. Take Social Risks to Invite Perspectives

In meetings without a designated facilitator, it's valuable to assume the social risk of inviting quieter members to share their thoughts. Suggest a brief pause to allow for diverse inputs. While there's a social risk in doing this, the benefit of inclusive discussion outweighs it.

3. Create Productive Silence

Silence is an underutilized tool in meetings. It allows the brain to reset and fosters intentional conversation. For example, during a busy check-in with my business manager, we decided to brainstorm independently before discussing together. This approach ensures that quieter voices, like my manager's detail-oriented perspective, are not overshadowed.

4. Draw a Box for Perspectives

In meetings, I sometimes literally draw a box with my hands and encourage participants to throw their unshared perspectives into this metaphorical space. This physical gesture helps visualize and encourage the sharing of diverse thoughts.

As a facilitator, you control two crucial dials: risk and value. The goal is to create an environment where the risk of participation is low, and the perceived value of contributing is high. This balance encourages diverse participation and ensures a more inclusive discussion.