Why use a consultant or an observer for a small group?

Within any small group communication, any individual who isn't directly involved with the group are able to give and provide an outside perspective. The insights given out by an observer may be extremely beneficial towards a group. In the text, the author explains that the usage of observers are to ultimately help and improve the growth of the group in a positive manner. The evaluations of any specific's teams' process through an outside observer or consultant can help the group develop and mold into a stronger team. I concur with what the author states in the text about how it can only be beneficial getting positive feedback from an outside source rather than your own. I believe that it is extremely important to get advice and insights from those who are not being biased in any kind of way towards each individuals in the group. Many times, groups often tend to have disagreements and arguments about a situation. However, through the eyes of an observer, he or she is allowed to give their initial insight and feelings about what they feel went wrong, who did what, what needs to be done, etc. The author also mentions the two different skills that may be involved in observing your own small group. These two differences are participation and evaluation. Because you are working as a team and not individually, it's hard to take on two tasks (observe while you participate). It's important not to multitask in situations such as these because you may give our nonverbal signs towards your other group members that may be taken the wrong way- group members may think you are releasing an energy of being critical, judgmental etc. that are all hurtful towards the group and ultimately effects the process of the team's progress.