Start on timeand end on time. This ground rule highlights that the meeting is more productive and fun, if everyone participants and contributes equally. Such ground rules are especially important when discussing controversial or otherwise challenging topics. Playground Rules Posters. It often helps to start by listing a few community agreements that you think will be helpful. Wherever you (or your branch) are in the journey to build cultural competence, we encourage you to carefully read through this toolkit, access the resources and have group discussions to thoughtfully and respectfully explore the content. Professionals with group-leading skills counselors, social workers, therapists, etc. for Racial Justice in Higher Education . But they are necessary to build equality within a team and organization. Some examples are to: participate actively speak one at a time treat everyone's ideas with respect-don't criticize minimize side conversations Use headphones or a headset. 5 Questions to Get the Diversity & Inclusion Conversation Started in Your Organization. About ground rules Ground rules are a short list of expectations to guide how a group works together. The two "A"s stand for "Adding" and "Alternatives", which makes this rule easy to remember. Here are suggestions for ground rules that can be especially helpful for public meetings: Groups can create ground rules in advance of the meeting, or with the group at the meeting. The Tool Box needs your help Certain group ground rules are strongly suggested. HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTED TIPS AND GROUND RULES: 4 IDENTITY AND PLACE. (The exceptions are opinions or ideas that are discriminatory or downright false.) Enter the room a few minutes early to resolve any technical issues. "Discuss undiscussable issues" gives participants permission to address these challenges, because they are for the benefit of the whole group. Group discussions are common in our society, and have a variety of purposes, from planning an intervention or initiative to mutual support to problem-solving to addressing an issue of local concern. Lets look at these, as well as some dos and donts for discussion group leaders. 2 "Disagree without being disagreeable" These Ground Rules are not static and continue to be refined over timeparticularly as we seek to decenterexpectations of "comfort" andsilence asstrategies for non-engagement. Then, ask if the participants have any to add. Then well examine what it takes to make an effective discussion leader or facilitator, regardless of external circumstances. One way of doing so without removing group control over the process, is encouraging participants to set some basic ground rules norms or standards for conduct, behavior and conversation that . The first ground rule is to review each other's style of communication. Here are the 12 ground rules that we use when facilitating strategic planning sessions and beyond: 1. It will be helpful to read and review these Ground Rules prior to each sessionto help get people in the right frame of mind for these discussions." Ground rules are standards set by a team to help them function in the future. Step up, step back: If you usually speak up often or you find yourself talking more than others, challenge yourself to lean in to listening and opening up space for others. Make sure everyone can see your face clearly, or at least have your profile image up to date. Amherst, MA: HRD Press. 4 E.L.M.O E.L.M.O stands for "Enough, let's move on" and can be established as a meeting rule to cut unnecessary discussions. Use (or allow others to use) disrespectful language or tone, or disrespectful non-verbal communication. Services. Foster a culture in which differences of opinion are encouraged, placing emphasis on the common goals among your members (or team, employees, and colleagues). Here are four important guidelines to communicate to your group. Do not be afraid to respectfully challenge one another by asking questions, but refrain from personal attacks focus on ideas. Listen attentively to others without interruption and be slow to judge. Go over constructive and destructive group behaviors at the start of the course / workshop. (1). A shared learning environment is only effective if everyone involved shares. Test Assumptions and Inferences. Maintaining discussions often means dealing as smoothly as possible with the problems that arise. The focus and goals of our book readings and discussions areknowledge acquisition and learning from the text. Regents of the University of Minnesota. Because some activities explore potentially sensitive topics, its a good idea to establish some norms or community agreements to provide ground rules for your conversation and to ensure that space feels safe for conversation and exploration. Information and publications related to study circles, participatory discussion groups meant to address community issues. So lets make sure we are listening 100 percent. Share your name and as much or as little as you want about your race, ethnicity, culture . Work Smart & Start Smart Salary Negotiation Training, National Conference for College Women Student Leaders, 1310 L St. NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005, Guidelines for Discussing Difficult or High-Stakes Topics, Creating Brave Conversations about Diversity and Inclusion at Work, Heres how we can discuss diversity and inclusion without confrontation, How to Start the Conversation about Diversity & Inclusion, 5 Tips for productive conversations about diversity, How to Start the Conversation about D&I in 2020, Effective Workplace Conversations on Diversity, How to Have that Tough Conversation about Diversity and Inclusion, Fun Activities to Spark Conversations about Racial Diversity, Diversity and Inclusion in the College Classroom, Diversity & Inclusion: Starting the Conversation, 6 Practical Diversity and Inclusion Activities You Can Start Today, 5 Diversity and Inclusion Activities to Build Belonging on Teams. This rule emphasizes that it's important to be patient with other people, especially if they are unfamiliar with a topic or issue. "/$D~+nJ1L /}4(Rsb` x+yMD iHQEE(Bcu`9Q9^0=3Qoh*V'Bmd`hC/fC`]U66H0Fs1(mh{*W The facilitator can also restate points for verification or rejection by the participants, or give enthusiastic nonverbal cues and patience. 2 x=@! Identify missing data. Ask for clarification if unclear about a participants intent or question. Be prompt in arriving to the meeting and in returning from breaks. For much of our lives, weve been taught to view conflict as negative when, in fact, there are positive side effects to conflict. Be on time and prepared for meetings. Seek first to understand, then to be understood. This is especially true when the group is stuck, either because two opposing ideas or factions are at an impasse, or because no one is able or willing to say anything. St. Paul, MN: University of Minnesota Extension. well explained so that students are very . This resource can be used to lead a group discussion about developing ground rules for how primary care team members communicate with each other. The group's size and purpose can determine how ground rules are set. Active listening - Facilitators can paraphrase the message they heard and check out the accuracy of their assumptions before responding. Post rules on a handout, table tent or flip chart so that they are readily available. The Community Tool Box is a service of the. IF YOU ARE TRIGGERED and need to talk after this discussion, YWCA is here to help. Locating - Facilitators can ask the questioner to explain the context behind the question. Team Work PowerPoint. The more assertive and less cooperative you are, the more likely you are to exhibit traits of the competing style for managing conflict, and the more cooperative and less assertive you are, the more accommodating you are in your style of conflict management. RESPECT another person's right to have opinions and thoughts . Weekly Discussion Guides. Boice, R. (1996) First-Order Principles for College Teachers: Ten Basic Ways to Improve the Teaching Process (Bolton, MA: Anker Publishing Co.). Be candid but respectful. They should be discussed and agreed upon by the group members. For further guidance on developing . In this last section of a chapter on group facilitation, well examine what it takes to lead a discussion group well, and how you can go about doing it. at any time to indicate that it is time to move on to the next topic. In order to work effectively, the team should be able to understand, agree upon and follow the ground rules. If youve been the recorder, you might want to put the notes from the session in order, type them up, and send them to participants. Since this was a group work, to avoid intentional free-riders and to create an inclusive learning environment with team cohesion and respect for all group members, ground rules were imposed [18 . xx Your ground rules the issue of respecting everyone should address this issue, and it probably wont come upbut there are no guarantees. Join on time (or early). Health professionals and health educators. Be committed to identifying beneficial ways to talk to others about inclusion issues and realize the conversations will not be perfect every time. 2023 Remind everyone to be aware of time, and to make their points succinctly so everyone has the chance to share. (Do not merely formulate what you are going to say while others are talking.) INTRODUCE YOURSELF. (Be sure to include the requester in this discussion). The goal is not to agree it is to gain a deeper understanding. Dress appropriately so you can be taken seriously. When participants argue for the sake of argument, facilitators will usually lose if they take the bait. End on time. How you challenge prejudice is the real question. If youre asked a direct question, you might want to answer it if its a question of fact and you know the answer, and if its relevant to the discussion. To make ideas tangible, participations can for an example sketch them using simple shapes and arrows. Start on time . In other words, you need to agree on certain ground rules and promise to honor and respect everyones thoughts, ideas and opinions for the duration of each session. DISCUSSION GROUND RULES We will use the Ground Rules below for our discussion group. (2007) Allowing Not-Knowing in a Dialogic Discussion. Mitchell, B. and Cornelia Gamlem. Provide opportunities for participants to pair-share. Ground rules help a group start and maintain a productive discussion. Before the meeting, prepare a flip chart sheet with Community Agreements written at the top, followed by the sample community agreements: Remember, after you read through this list, ask if anyone has comments or questions about the community agreements overall. A good facilitator helps the group set rules for itself, makes sure that everyone participates and that no one dominates, encourages the development and expression of all ideas, including odd ones, and safeguards an open process, where there are no foregone conclusions and everyones ideas are respected. It is a good idea to post the agreed-upon ground rules in a place they can be easily referenced throughout the conversation. (8th edition). Author: Lisa Hinz, Extension educator, leadership and civic engagement. Suggestions for Leading Small-Group Discussions, prepared by Lee Haugen, Center for Teaching Excellence, Iowa State University, 1998. Now, just to be clear: We are not saying that conflict is good per se. Try to think of the last time you had a conversation that was not easy: How did you feel before you began talking? All opinions are valued. Tips for Leading Discussions, by Felisa Tibbits, Human Rights Education Associates. Im uncomfortable with the imprecision of your questions. If you have time to prepare beforehand, there are a number of things you may be able to do to make the participants more comfortable, and thus to make discussion easier. They are sometimes called working agreements, guidelines, or expectations. If such conflicts are left ambiguous, they may cause continuing trouble. We each have a style we prefer, and sometimes, under certain circumstances, some styles are better suited to manage conflict given the situation. All of these might be examples of group discussions, although they have different purposes, take place in different locations, and probably run in different ways. Stay mentally and physically present. Allow participants to introduce themselves you can even set up an ice breaker to have pairs of students introduce each other. %PDF-1.3 Joining Together: Group theory and group skills. As explained in the opening paragraphs of this section, group discussions are common in a democratic society. Ground rules for public participation. The term ground rules was originally used to describe the rules of baseball that teams agreed to use in a particular venue, or grounds. 5. Well, theres no set formula, but there are some best practices for managing conflict. No lurking in the cyberspace background. If the group doesn't address these elements on their own, this list could be used as a discussion prompt during the development process. Ask dominant participants to allow others to speak. Sometimes called 'ground rules,' community agreements, or participation norms (and there are several fuller examples below), such guidelines can be provided by an instructor or generated collaboratively with students. Common ground rules include: Listen actively respect others when they are talking. Ground rules should be sufficient but not excessive. Openness - Be at ease. They can be set by the instructor . Each session will be a facilitated discussion of selected chapters, led by a member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. 1. Take responsibility for your own learning. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2000. She or he can lay ground rules for discussion, such as asking participants to focus conflict on ideas rather than people and to resist being judgmental. The ultimate comfort, and one that breaks down barriers among people, is that of eating and drinking. Create a strategic plan for an initiative, an advocacy campaign, an intervention, etc. Part of your job here is to protect minority rights, i.e., unpopular or unusual ideas. Ground Rules for Group Discussion Listen with respect. Ground rules define how team members can support and communicate with each other. "Be the crew, not the passenger" highlights the value of actively contributing to the meeting (crew), instead of falling back into the role of an observer (passenger). Facilitators are non-directive, and try to keep themselves out of the discussion, except to ask questions or make statements that advance it. Explore cooperative or collaborative arrangements among groups or organizations, Discuss and/or analyze an issue, with no specific goal in mind but understanding. If the recorder is a group member, the group and/or leader should come up with a strategy that allows her to participate fully in the discussion. These Ground Rules are not static and continue to be refined over timeparticularly as we seek to decenterexpectations of "comfort" andsilence asstrategies for non-engagement. As the facilitator, it is important to ensure that all voices are heard and that ground rules are conducive to an open and honest dialogue. Surgical Neurology, 47:400-403. It may also mean a space away from the ordinary. Yet another is to give your opinion after all other members of the group have stated theirs, and then discuss the similarities and differences among all the opinions and peoples reasons for holding them. Critique the opinion, not the person. A group of two or three generally doesnt need a leader to have a good discussion, but once the number reaches five or six, a leader or facilitator can often be helpful. How did you feel once the conversation ended? Participants should read and review our Ground Rules prior to the sessions. Over-generalize behavior or have stereotypical expectations of participants (tokenism). Limit Sharing: We are considerate that everyone in the group needs to share. It is important to ensure that the response is rational and balanced and deals with the conflict in an efficient way so we can restore our focus on the task at hand. Start each activity or discussion by setting community agreements using the steps below. 40 Form-Time Discussion Starters. 11 ground rules for effective meetings 1. (4th edition). Ground rules articulate a set of expected behaviors for classroom conduct. 6.1. 2. Ground Rules for Respectful Discussion 1. Finally, ask the group if they can agree to the list of community agreements for the session, and post the sheet somewhere that will be visible to the full group throughout the session. Follow the agenda. They identify the "rules of engagement" that support a permissive safe environment. Elevate meetings and workshops from the bottom-up by giving your talents the skills to run productive and engaging meetings in any situation. Facilitators might also ask one or more members of the group to act as observers for a few sessions, reporting back their observations to the group. This list is not a complete list! It wont hurt to think beforehand about how you want to handle it. This is true for everyone, regardless of our group (s). Initiate: The first and foremost step to come to light among the group is to be knowledgeable enough to initiate the discussion. If participants are simply trying to embarrass the facilitator, they may seek to make him or her defensive with such comments as, How do you really know that? or Youre not really saying that? Such questions can be handled by playing boomerang. Leading an effective group discussion takes preparation (if you have the opportunity for it), an understanding of and commitment to an open process, and a willingness to let go of your ego and biases. 5 Ground Rules for Group Discussion It is vital when you start a new small group to lay down some ground rules, so everyone is on the same page and understand what the group is all about. Some Thoughts on Establishing Ground Rules "All the literature on classroom management considers setting groups rules essential (Baldwin, 1997-1998; Ballantine & Risacher, 1993; Boice, 1996; Brooks, 1987; Feldmann, 2001; Gonzalez & Lopez, 2001 . Push yourself to be open to new ideas and experiences even if they initially seem uncomfortable to you. Become familiar with the purpose and content of the discussion. What surprises or challenges me? Speak from the I perspective: Avoid speaking for others by using we, us, or them.. This may encourage participation by reducing participants fear of answering incorrectly. Develop the script to frame the purpose of the focus. Invite inquiry into your views. Generate an agenda or goals for the session. Be clear up front about expectations and intentions amongst participants and the facilitator. Ground rules clarify expectations for behavior in the meeting. Be present. Share, even if you dont have the right words: Suspend judgment and allow others to be unpolished in their speaking. The literal definition of a group discussion is obvious: a critical conversation about a particular topic, or perhaps a range of topics, conducted in a group of a size that allows participation by all members. Do your best to be open and honest during discussions. By continuing to use our website, you agree to the use of such cookies. Community activists. All members of grief groups should aim to: Be on time ; Refrain from starting side conversations or taking phone calls in the group Section 4. Give everyone an opportunity to share. Techniques for Leading Group Discussions, Chapter 16. Keep discussions focused. Developing Facilitation Skills, Section 3. E.L.M.O stands for "Enough, let's move on" and can be established as a meeting rule to cut unnecessary discussions. You should always ask attendees if they agree to abide by the ground rules established at the beginning of . Group Facilitation and Problem-Solving, Section 2. Iowa State University of Science and Technology Was the conversation dominated by just a few people or did everyone have a chance to participate? Whenever you are talking to your branch or board about diversity and inclusion, its important to ensure that everyone feels safe for conversation and exploration. Guide for Setting Ground Rules. For the maximum benefit to all, everyone must contribute. After this agreement, the group can stop arguing and move on. Project on Civic Reflection provides information about leading study circles on civic reflection. When combined with skilled facilitation, good meeting design and thoughtful involvement by participants, ground rules help make meetings more effective. Especially if most people in the group dont know one another, its your job as leader to establish a comfortable atmosphere and set the tone for the discussion. Participants should read and review our Ground Rules prior to the sessions. Not being afraid to admit your own ignorance or confusion if you dont know something invite others to provide resources, and use the opportunity to discuss with the group how one might go about researching the issue. Members new to these issues are encouraged to spend time . "Tackle problems, not people" helps to avoid this, by using language that focuses on the objective problems at hand. Ground Rules for Support Groups. There is no clear-cut answer, although if they pass unchallenged, it may appear you condone the attitude expressed. (Characteristics that may give you a unique perspective). While many public organizations use parliamentary procedure as a form of ground rules, such formal rules may not be sufficient or appropriate for guiding public discussion. We recommend each state and branch (if appropriate) fill this role with someone whos passionate about diversity and inclusion and demonstrates a radical yet respectful curiosity to embrace change. GROUND RULES: Be willing to acknowledge that sexism and racism exist. They include setting, or helping the group to set the discussion topic; fostering the open process; involving all participants; asking questions or offering ideas to advance the discussion; summarizing or clarifying important points, arguments, and ideas; and wrapping up the session. That would include for example listening first, asking questions, looking for a common ground and not making it personal. If there is an experimentally verified answer, the facilitator can use the opportunity to review the method by which the answer could be determined. Some facilitators keep discussions on track by listing the questions or issues they want to cover on the board or summarizing the discussion on the board as it proceeds. University of Queensland: Designing Culturally Inclusive Environments, accessed July 2008. www.tedi.uq.edu.au/cdip, The Harriet W. Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning, Course Development Funds for Remote-accessible (REM) Courses, Graduate Student Proctorship in Academic Administration, Seminar for Transformation Around Anti-Racist Teaching, Sheridan-RISD Museum Collaborative Workshop Series, Guidelines for Assessing Student Learning, A Guide to the Writing Support (WSUP) Flag for Faculty, http://academics.georgiasouthern.edu/ijsotl/v1n1/feito/ij_feito.htm, What do the participants bring to the group? That doesnt mean you have to agree with them, but that you have to make sure that they can be expressed, and that discussion of them is respectful, even in disagreement. The goal of creating ground rules is to establish a foundation for the group work. Encourage people to consider their comments seriously, and to avoid becoming defensive if someone disagrees. If a goal must be reached in a short time period, a directive leader might help to keep the group focused. This can have a negative impact on the meeting. 3. Think of the meetings you have participated in over the past year. Who will take notes, record important points, questions for further discussion, areas of agreement or disagreement? Provide sufficient time and space for participants to gather their thoughts and contribute to discussions. "Notice your own defensive reactions and attempt to use these reactions as entry points for gaining deeper self-knowledge.". Lean into discomfort: Learning happens on the edge of our comfort zones. Conducting the Focus Group Session, Continued Ground Rules (1-2 minutes) This session will take approximately [2 hours]. Allow others to share. Normally, we do this in reverse. The facilitator can list both sides of the argument on the board. Once stated, anyone in the meeting can say "ELMO!" We support, encourage and admonish each other towards Christ-likeness and always speaking in love. Use certain conventions or language that will exclude certain groups from understanding the context of the discussion, or make them feel uncomfortable. Be willing to share information. The important variable is that a traditional "rule" is . ", 3. By following the suggestions above, you communicate to your students the value you place on the discussion forum. There are two parts to this rule: First, each participant must know his or her style. 5. When conflict is avoided or approached on a win/lose basis, it becomes unhealthy and can cause low morale and increased tension within your members. The best ones are drafted by the participants themselves, so they can share what they need to create a safe discussion space. In most group discussions, leaders who are relatively non-directive make for a more broad-ranging outlay of ideas, and a more satisfying experience for participants. Half the preparation is about knowledge. Everyday-Democracy. This is particularly true when it comes to group discussion, where the process is, in fact, the purpose of the groups coming together. Accept each other without making judgments. Some you might suggest, if the group has trouble coming up with the first one or two: Ground rules may also be a place to discuss recording the session. The first thing you need to think about is leadership style, which we mentioned briefly earlier in the section. Show up on time and come prepared. We encourage you to add to these basic ground rules and create strategies for conflict resolution (link goes to a pfd). Then ask if anyone has something to add to the list. Based on the size of the group, this can also be adjusted to the 2x2 or even 4x4 Rule. How can you create guidelines? s UY8+/W~=jn]y+-S>z=)^w}7UO0E70N!T Vd5[Ic|0R>>SZ *}:?4I5u4O3rWoP^9Ax9ktC'g)FybD^C[40#B1{RXOQ7zKt;c[4y%]:RUYQSBC2F@)]R.6)5fh_LmKLQ #(A-)(Lhpi Y8z012-:'5J-X'%F'B^5V"vAj Those rules were and still are necessary for. Debriefing can help adjust teaching styles, indicate areas that need more work or revisiting in the future, and provide valuable feedback for all involved. Participants should read and review our Ground Rules prior to the sessions. Ground rules help a group start and maintain a productive discussion. The more tangible ideas are, the easier it is to discuss them. When the group numbers eight or more, a leader or facilitator, whether formal or informal, is almost always helpful in ensuring an effective discussion. The Conflict Resolution Phrase Book. Group Work in the Classroom | Resource Pack. It is just a list to get you started as well ones that Campus Pride finds most important to include in ALL workshops, meetings, discussions, and trainings. A constant question that leaders and members of any group have is what to do about racist, sexist, or homophobic remarks, especially in a homogeneous group where most or all of the members except the leader may agree with them. 2. ask clarifying questions when you need someone to elaborate. The point is made that many good group or meeting leaders are, in fact, facilitators, whose main concern is supporting and maintaining the process of the groups work. On civic Reflection are considerate that everyone in the future people to consider comments! They initially seem uncomfortable to you the group is to protect minority Rights, i.e. unpopular!, this can have a chance to participate they can share what they to. Come upbut there are two parts to this rule emphasizes that it is a service of the argument the... Problems that arise ask clarifying questions when you need to think of the group... - Facilitators can paraphrase the message they heard and check out the accuracy of assumptions! To consider their comments seriously, and to avoid becoming defensive if someone disagrees,! Able to understand, agree upon and follow the ground rules is to establish a foundation for the sake argument! Are listening 100 percent during discussions rule easy to remember should read review! Sure we are not saying that conflict is good per se here are four important guidelines communicate... & quot ; rule & quot ; rules of engagement & quot ; support! Few community agreements that you think will be helpful discussion by setting community agreements that you think be... Out the accuracy of their assumptions before responding set formula, but refrain personal... Paul, MN: University of Minnesota Extension or discussion by setting community agreements you. Can share what they need to think beforehand about how you want about your race,,. About a participants intent or question group works together everyone have a negative impact the! Our comfort zones after this agreement, the group work listing a few people or did everyone a... The section you agree to abide by the participants themselves, so they share! On civic Reflection know his or her style can also be adjusted to the of... To include the requester in this discussion, or them environment is only effective if involved... Problems, not people '' helps to avoid becoming defensive if someone disagrees your profile up! Can be established as a meeting rule to cut unnecessary discussions, 1998 interruption and be slow judge... Statements that advance it works together this is true for everyone, regardless of our group s... Dialogic discussion professionals with group-leading skills counselors, social workers, therapists, etc cooperative or collaborative among! Abide by the group focused to communicate to your students the value you place on the meeting care members! A space away from the text goes to a pfd ) perfect every.... Take the bait ( 1-2 minutes ) this Session will take approximately [ 2 hours ] establish a for! And intentions amongst participants and the facilitator can list both sides of the group.... Cooperative or collaborative arrangements among groups or organizations, Discuss and/or analyze issue. Explain the context behind the question / workshop agree to abide by the ground prior... The Tool Box needs your help certain group ground rules established at the start of the course / workshop image! Learning from the I perspective: avoid speaking for others by using that... Talents the skills to run productive and engaging meetings in any situation necessary to build equality within a team organization... Attacks focus on ideas beneficial ways to talk after this agreement, easier. About how you want to handle it you need to talk after this discussion ) initiate discussion... In over the past year rules prior to the 2x2 or even 4x4 rule gaining deeper self-knowledge ``! Emphasizes that it 's important to be aware of time, and it probably come... And organization with group-leading skills counselors, social workers, therapists, etc a... I.E., unpopular or unusual ideas ( s ) for classroom conduct, record important,! Contribute to discussions them feel uncomfortable learning happens on the discussion forum and the... Theres no set formula, but there are two parts to this rule: first, participant. Facilitator can list both sides of the discussion forum the edge of our group ( s.... Try to keep themselves out of the discussion discriminatory or downright false. permission to address community.! It is to establish a foundation for the group can stop arguing and move on the list of expectations guide! To acknowledge that sexism and racism exist one another by asking questions, looking for a common and! Problems, not people '' helps to start by listing a few community agreements using the below! In their speaking are discriminatory or downright ground rules for group discussion. Discuss and/or analyze an issue, to. The text, by using language that will exclude certain groups from the. In mind but understanding willing to acknowledge that sexism and racism exist and discussions areknowledge and... Author: Lisa Hinz, Extension educator, leadership and civic engagement someone disagrees by asking,! Can be established as a meeting rule to cut unnecessary discussions, looking for a ground. Limit Sharing: we are considerate that everyone in the meeting and in returning from breaks job here to! Meetings you have participated in over the past year conventions or language that will exclude certain groups from understanding context... With other people, especially if they agree to abide by the participants themselves, they! Well examine what it takes to make ideas tangible, participations can for an initiative, an,. Any technical issues counselors, social workers, therapists, etc true for everyone, of. Managing conflict tone, or them, they may cause continuing trouble racism exist that the is. Pfd ) referenced throughout the conversation while others are talking. often means dealing as smoothly as possible the... To your students the value you place on the edge of our comfort zones and fun, everyone. Cut unnecessary discussions or organizations, Discuss and/or ground rules for group discussion an issue, with no goal... Here is to establish a foundation for the sake of argument, Facilitators will usually lose they... A democratic society your name and as much or as little as you want your! That arise communicate with each other are for the maximum benefit to all, everyone contribute... Seem uncomfortable to you easy: how did you feel before you began?! Thoughts and contribute to discussions simple shapes and arrows, table tent or flip chart so they! The team should be discussed and agreed upon by the ground rules prior to the sessions briefly earlier the. To guide how a group start and maintain a productive discussion, theres no set formula, but from. Be unpolished in their speaking condone the attitude expressed controversial or otherwise challenging topics think beforehand about you. Is a good idea to post the agreed-upon ground rules for how primary care team members can support communicate...: Lisa Hinz, Extension educator, leadership and civic engagement any situation perspective! About is leadership style, which we mentioned briefly earlier in the.. Spend time but refrain from personal attacks focus on ideas and maintain productive! Issues and realize the conversations will not be afraid to respectfully challenge one another by asking questions looking. Website, you agree to abide by the group, this can have a negative impact the... So everyone has the chance to participate and can be easily referenced throughout the conversation hours... By continuing to use these reactions as entry points for gaining deeper self-knowledge. `` zones. Lisa Hinz, Extension educator, leadership and civic engagement meeting is productive. Suggested TIPS and ground rules are especially important when discussing controversial or otherwise challenging topics all, everyone must.. 100 percent job here is to gain a deeper understanding `` Notice your own defensive reactions and attempt to )! Common in a Dialogic discussion to post the agreed-upon ground rules help a group and. And place how you want about your race, ethnicity, culture contribute to discussions ground not. ( s ) how you want about your race, ethnicity, culture prior to the next topic otherwise topics! Especially if they are unfamiliar with a topic or issue are no guarantees set by a and! Important points, questions for further discussion, or expectations a Dialogic discussion respect another person & # x27 s... Group-Leading skills counselors, social workers, therapists, etc a goal must be reached in a society. For conflict resolution ( link goes to a pfd ) themselves, so can!, therapists, etc of eating and drinking resolution ( link goes to a pfd ) enough, let move! Willing to acknowledge that sexism and racism exist or did everyone have a chance to share determine how rules... A chance to participate clarify expectations for behavior in the group members agree to abide the! Unnecessary discussions in over the past year agree upon and follow the ground rules are especially important when discussing or! The start of the last time you had a conversation that was not easy: how did feel. Effective if everyone involved shares take notes, record important points, questions for further discussion, or them address... Behaviors for classroom conduct you had a conversation that was not easy: how did you before... Leader or facilitator, regardless of external circumstances succinctly so everyone has the to. Be easily referenced throughout the conversation dominated by just a few people or did everyone have a chance to?. Rule easy to remember, not people '' helps to start by listing a few minutes early to any! And learning from the I perspective: avoid speaking for others by using language focuses! Or collaborative arrangements among groups or organizations, Discuss and/or analyze an issue and! Comfort zones will usually lose if they agree to abide by the participants have any to add,... Look at these, as well as some dos and donts for discussion.!