You're asked to lead a group of four college interns tasked with redesigning the company's website. The interns are highly-skilled designers with a lot to offer, but they don't seem interested in the project. You really need them to contribute, because the ultimate goal is to increase the number of college-aged visitors to the site. How might you empower the interns to participate?

What will be an ideal response?

Student answers will vary, but should draw upon the guidelines outlined below:
- Raise members' self-esteem.
* I would compliment each group member on the skills they possess and the ideas they contribute. I would make it clear to them that their contributions are valuable.
- Share skills and decision-making power and authority.
* Perhaps I could relinquish more control to the interns so that they would feel more responsible and empowered.
- Be constructively critical.
* During discussion, I would be willing to offer my own perspective and react honestly to suggestions from each intern.
- Listen willingly and eagerly.
* I would communicate my understanding of interns' ideas by nodding and using other nonverbal cues. I would ask for clarification when I did not understand an idea.
- Avoid interrupting to change the topic or to shift the focus to something else.
* I would show the interns that I value what they have to say by not interrupting them with my own thoughts.
- React supportively.
* I would be sure to let the interns know that I appreciate what they have to share.