A group success is vital but not all groups succeed. The most important thing to realize when in a group that has not met expectations is to salvage the most you can by learning from your mistakes. Realizing what you have done wrong can be difficult when you are wrapped up in a group. For this reason observers or consultants are important for small group growth. Observers and consultants are the best pick for evaluating groups because group members themselves cannot efficiently evaluate the group while being a part of the group process, or contributing to the group. Outside observes can also provide insights that might not been mention before. In addition, observers or consultants skills are specific to evaluation making them the best bet to have a solution for a group. In the end using a consultant can benefit small groups because they offer skills and insights that can help a group grow so they can produce better outcomes.
I enjoyed reading your post as well as your thoughts on group success and learning from your mistakes. I agree with you that for many people in a group realizing what they have done wrong can be difficult. I typically see this inability to spot out problems and make solutions as a way of adding to group failure rather than success. This is why having someone take a look at your group from an angle that you might be missing can help. Observers are great because they can see things that the group may not be able to see themselves as well as if certain roles are lacking or need change.
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