But We Digress!, Pt. 2
Posted by: Neil Hollands
Last week, I discussed a meeting where odd digressions by readers contributed to success, but going off subject can just as easily derail a meeting. When is a side discussion useful and when is it just an interruption? How can group leaders tell the difference?
First, know your group. Groups that use themes often welcome digressions, groups that read a common book may be less amenable to wandering. Groups that acknowledge a social purpose to meetings expect time for other subjects, while groups that want serious book talk will frown on interruptions. If your group has never discussed its goals and intentions, and members are pulling in different directions, perhaps it is time for a friendly discussion of your collective expectations.
Second, factor in the tone of the particular meeting. Were several readers unable to finish or vocal about frustrations with the book before the meeting? In these cases, digressions may be preferable to an unhappy discussion. Did life provide more than its usual share of distractions this month? Was the time between meetings short? Again, your group may need distractions. On the other hand, they might be digressing because they can’t find the right approach to discussing a book they found challenging, interesting or controversial. Measure the tone in the room: If the latter is the case, you’ll need to focus, regroup, and find the right questions to unlock the book.
My last advice is to look at who is leading the digressions and judge whether or not these interruptions seem welcome. If the digressions are divided between readers and cover a variety of subjects, don’t worry: Enjoy the give and take. But if the same person or two constantly sidetracks conversation, those are interruptions, not pleasant meanderings. If the digressions are always on the same subjects, they will annoy other readers and create friction. If that’s the case, consider some previous posts about how to battle the interruptions.
