Relating effective group facilitation to politics and good leadership

As I posted Using effective ground rules to facilitate a group to increase open communication, it occurred to me that these rules could explain the change this country is longing for as we come to the end of our long primary season.  Both Clinton and Obama are suggesting a different model of government and leadership at the top–one that is more transparent and open, which is consistent with the model of group facilitation that I teach. I have seen this approach produce very effective results in groups ranging from the classroom to negotiation, mediation, and conflict situations between group members with very different backgrounds.  Imagine what our county might have been like over the past 7+ years if the Bush-Cheney-Rove-Rumsfield group had been open and honest with the country and allowed Congress and the citizens to make an informed choice about attacking Iraq (or not!).  Maybe I am a naive optimist, but I have seen this open and transparent approach work successfully.  And it empowers all who are part of the process instead of polarizing the participants into warring opponents of each other.

Empathy relates very well to what I do in group facilitation

Interesting post on various types of Empathy.  I find that empathy and effective listening are crucial to the work I do in group facilitation, organizational consulting and consulting.  To understand the dynamics of groups, its very important to listen first, really hear what others are communicating and then intervene, as necessary, to move the group forward.

Thanks!