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While a discussion doesn’t lend itself to direct influence, however, it is an ideal way to find out what others are thinking.  There are a number of reasons leaders might seek this kind of feedback.  They might be soliciting new ideas for the group.  They may want some clues as to how others are responding to their leadership.  Or they can use it to find out where others are.  To influence others later it’s necessary to discover their present attitude.  Sensitive counselors at Christian camps see this as the purpose of cabin devotions.  Instead of using the time as a way of delivering another message (filling in the gaps that the speaker missed), they solicit reactions to the day’s events.

Getting Together, Em Griffin, page 89