Last week while leading a small group conference session on “Building Real Community” I mentioned the 80/20 rule. That is, in a healthy small group, the group should do about 80 percent of the talking while the leader should talk only about 20 percent of the time (and much of that 20 percent should be in the form of questions). I didn’t have the 80/20 rule in my notes and didn’t plan on talking about it.
Thank you for leading the Small Group Conference at JEFC this weekend. Your passion for the impact small groups can have on lives and ultimately bring God glory came through very clearly.
I know I learned a lot and am already applying (80/20 rule for one). My wife and I now have a system for keeping me accountable to the 80/20 rule. I’m a lifelong sales guy and prone to talking – a lot. My lovely wife said she would monitor me and if at any time I start to go over the 20% mark she will quietly say “Muskrat.” It worked last night until other members picked up on it and also would say “muskrat”… I’m learning.
Top 10 Ways to Stifle Discussion in Your Small Group
LOL! That's a great story from the trenches Mike. Sounds like the Small Group Conference session was well-received too. Great job!
Thanks, Mason. Really enjoyed the last two weekends in Hoboken, New Jersey, and Des Moines, Iowa, hanging out with fellow small group leaders and doing some equipping. Hope we can arrange something out in California soon!