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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Morris, Minnesota » Soil Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #61496
Title: TEAMING TECHNIQUES DERIVED FROM HUMAN SYSTEMS THEORY: NEUTRALITY, HYPOTHESIZING AND CIRCULARITY

Author
item Alessi, Randolph
item MAYHEW, MICHAEL - IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: Systems Engineering Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/27/1996
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Bigger more complex problems require the work of teams of people. This work explores the use of therapeutic techniques for communication among a group of people for improving teamwork. These techniques can not only result in higher quality work but can significantly improve job satisfaction and team member relationships.

Technical Abstract: Systems engineers who work effectively with teams of engineers and stakeholders can improve the efficiency of the overall engineering process. This paper discusses techniques that are used by human systems analysts to understand, guide and improve human interaction. Three cooperating principles: neutrality, hypothesizing and circularity, enacted through questioning strategies, are used to understand, validate and intervene in any human interaction situation. An example is given which shows how questioning with the aid of neutrality, hypothesizing and circularity can lessen a confrontational situation and improve human dialogue. A drill is also provided to help systems engineers practice and learn these techniques. If team members can learn these techniques, engineering communications problems will be lessened.