Ch14 Post #1

I really enjoyed reading this chapter and it provided me with a great visual idea of how to correctly rate how a group is doing.  This question asks "why use a consultant or an observer?"  In a group environment each person has a different type of work ethic and are each assigned to a different task. Sometimes when everyone is working together it is hard to keep the group focused and on track.  Having someone from outside of the group come in to observe how the group is working together, helps the give realize its strong points and weaker points.  Its like the old saying, sometimes you need a second pair of eyes to see if you missed something.  It may not be obvious to the group members that they are not working together in an effective way to get the job done.  By having someone evaluate their work from the outside and report back to them, it gives them insight on to what needs to be changed so that everyone can stay on task and support each other.  I thought that the chapter made a really good point that the observer should not be someone who is apart of the group,  That member could be biased towards another group member and not report back accurate information.  And if they are responsible for observing what is happening, then they obviously would not be completing any of there work.  I think that an observer is just another tool that helps small groups be successful in completing their work in a professional and orderly manner.