Simple Ground Rules--Powerful Results
Facilitators often recommend creating a set of ground rules to help a group function well together. These rules can help set the boundaries for decorum (as in cell phones on silent) or for exchange (as in no interrupting). The list of ground rules can often be quite long as the facilitator and the group attempt to cover all the ways a meeting can go wrong.
I have found that another approach works well and in most groups is all that is needed. Typically a group can function well with four simple rules:
Listen: simply listen carefully to the other speakers and to your own reactions.
Respect: accept the validity of another point of view, even if you disagree.
Suspend judgement: consider the possibility that others may be right or have an approach that you had not considered.
Speak up: share your views fully and honestly with everyone.
These four rules, drawn from the principles of dialogue, are amazingly effective at getting people to focus on what matters—the exchange of ideas between people. The four rules interact, opening the possibility for much deeper discussion than the group thought was possible.
The next time you are asked to offer a ground rule for a meeting you are part of—try these! You may be surprised.
Filed by Joseph McIntyre under Facilitation