I was just facilitating a management retreat for the foodservice department of a major resort. In the course of our discussions, it became apparent that they had become addicted to griping. When the tone is high, everybody feels good together.
Ideas flow easily, debate is spirited but respectful and the participants feel energized.
When a group is functioning at a high level, time flies. People ask more questions and reflect more on the responses. These are the meetings that people look forward to attending. As the tone deteriorates, ideas start to become more tightly held. Dissenting opinions begin to take on the appearance of personal attacks and the participants increasingly feel drained.