You're asked to lead a group of four college interns tasked with redesigning the company's website. The interns are highly-skilled designers with a lot to offer, but they don't seem interested in the project. You really need them to contribute, because the ultimate goal is to increase the number of college-aged visitors to the site. How might you empower the interns to participate?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Student answers will vary, but should draw upon the guidelines outlined below:
- Raise members' self-esteem.
* I would compliment each group member on the skills they possess and the ideas they contribute. I would make it clear to them that their contributions are valuable.
- Share skills and decision-making power and authority.
* Perhaps I could relinquish more control to the interns so that they would feel more responsible and empowered.
- Be constructively critical.
* During discussion, I would be willing to offer my own perspective and react honestly to suggestions from each intern.
- Listen willingly and eagerly.
* I would communicate my understanding of interns' ideas by nodding and using other nonverbal cues. I would ask for clarification when I did not understand an idea.
- Avoid interrupting to change the topic or to shift the focus to something else.
* I would show the interns that I value what they have to say by not interrupting them with my own thoughts.
- React supportively.
* I would be sure to let the interns know that I appreciate what they have to share.