What is the first step in the reflective thinking or standard agenda approach to group decision making?

The first step in the reflective thinking or standard agenda approach to group decision making is clarifying the issue or problem. This step is crucial because it sets the foundation for the entire decision-making process. By clearly defining and understanding the problem, group members ensure that they are all on the same page regarding what needs to be addressed. This clarity helps to prevent misunderstandings and ensures that subsequent discussions focus on solutions that are relevant to the identified issue.

Once the problem is clearly defined, the group can then move on to evaluating possible solutions and generating alternatives. However, if the initial problem has not been accurately clarified, any subsequent steps may lead to ineffective or misplaced solutions. Thus, clarifying the issue forms the backbone of the reflective thinking process and is essential for successful group decision making.