Patterns & Metaphors

Creative care groups

Other Names:
Special taskforce
Template:
Small groups (3-6 people) with a goal, clearly assigned by the conference who have the brief to work through until they are ready for more feedback or have achieved the goal. They define their own project procedures and are generally most effective when there is an unchallenged leadership, with 3-5 in close dialogue. They can be long-term groups or very temporary assignments -four or five groups could be assigned to work on specific points during a plenary session.
[Advantages] Can produce high quality work and at the same time allow the conferencing to continue with other issues.
[Disadvantages] They have a considerable responsibility and may misunderstand or misuse their assignment to express their own bias. This can be corrected by feedback in the plenary but it can be distracting.