Small groups are important elements in business and professional life, and much of the work of small groups is done in meetings. To lead a meeting, establish an agenda and make sure that it is followed; encourage all members to participate in group discussions; and guide the discussion to make sure that it stays on the subject. When you are a participant in a small group meeting, enter the discussion with a positive attitude and an open mind.

One of the most effective agendas for problem solving is known as the reflective-thinking method. It involves seven steps: defining the problem; analyzing it; establishing criteria for evaluating solutions; suggesting possible solutions; choosing the best solution; deciding how to implement the solution; and deciding how to test the solution.

Sometimes groups appear in public to discuss or debate an issue. Two popular formats for team presentations are the symposium (a series of brief speeches on a common topic) and the panel discussion (an informal presentation involving a moderator and panelists).