Be candid but respectful. Forsyth, D .Group Dynamics. Its much closer to acting as a facilitator, but not exactly the same as that either. 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. Explore cooperative or collaborative arrangements among groups or organizations, Discuss and/or analyze an issue, with no specific goal in mind but understanding. Maintain an atmosphere for discussion and analysis of our options. Feel free to take part in refreshments or use the restroom at any time. 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 . Give everyone an opportunity to share. You might choose to lead a group discussion, or you might find yourself drafted for the task. 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. Amherst, MA: HRD Press. Think of the meetings you have participated in over the past year. 18 Ground Rules for Group Discussions 1 "Strong opinions, loosely held" The idea "strong opinions, loosely held" is that anyone is allowed to express their strong opinions, but at the same be open to change their mind if they new data suggests that they might be wrong. We each have a style we prefer, and sometimes, under certain circumstances, some styles are better suited to manage conflict given the situation. 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. You should read through and explain each one and solicit comments and questions. Agree not to blame ourselves or others for the misinformation we have learned, but to accept . Tips for Leading Discussions, by Felisa Tibbits, Human Rights Education Associates. Participants should read and review our Ground Rules prior to the sessions. Sometimes we are tempted to begin formulating what we want to say in response, instead of giving 100 percent of our focus to the speaker. Find out the kind of topics that are given at the institution or company you are applying for. If it doesnt, you can essentially say, Thats wrong, and I wont allow that kind of talk here, which may well put an end to the remarks, but isnt likely to change anyones mind. Make "undiscussable" ideas discussible. Seek first to understand, then to be understood. The first ground rule is to review each other's style of communication. By continuing to use our website, you agree to the use of such cookies. Coleman, P., Deutsch, M. and Eric C. For the maximum benefit to all, everyone must contribute. Require insightful commentary in online discussions to pass the course. Another approach is to break down the group into still smaller task groups. Boyce, K. (2002). This guide covers a lot of ground. If participants are asked to read something, consider questions, complete a task, or otherwise prepare for the discussion, make sure that the assignment is attended to and used. at any time to indicate that it is time to move on to the next topic. 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. Treat participants with respect and consideration. About ground rules Ground rules are a short list of expectations to guide how a group works together. Avoid mentally imposing your own biases, thoughts, or opinions onto what someone else is sharing. 2 "Disagree without being disagreeable" A community health educator facilitates a smoking cessation support group. When the group numbers eight or more, a leader or facilitator, whether formal or informal, is almost always helpful in ensuring an effective discussion. In good discussions, conflicts will sometimes arise. In some cases, the opportunity to lead a group discussion can arise on the spur of the moment; in others, its a more formal arrangement, planned and expected. Dont ask people to do something, and then ignore it. 11 ground rules for effective meetings 1. Be conscious of body language and nonverbal responses: They can be as disrespectful as words. 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. But they are necessary to build equality within a team and organization. S E=dHv>X:)GG8" The notes might also include a summary of conclusions that were reached, as well as any assignments or follow-up activities that were agreed on. Build trust and a sense of safety among group participants. "Let go of personal anecdotal evidence and look at broader societal patterns. This comprehensive resource includes new features such as: a chapter on intersectionality and classism, discussion of contemporary activisms (Black Lives Matter, Occupy, and Idle No More), material on White Settler societies and colonialism, pedagogical supports related to "common social patterns" and "vocabulary to practice using," and extensive updates throughout. A second strategy is to ask opinion questions occasionally (e.g., How do you feel about this?). Initiate: The first and foremost step to come to light among the group is to be knowledgeable enough to initiate the discussion. The complete guide to facilitation. The group's agreement allows the leader or a group member to directly address an issue when a ground rule is not followed. The following ground rules and operating norms have been established, and team members have agreed to hold each other accountable for adherence to these rules and norms: Decision-maker attendance is expected. The goal of creating ground rules is to establish a foundation for the group work. The discussion stays focused on the issue at hand. Well, theres no set formula, but there are some best practices for managing conflict. Develop an awareness for barriers for learning (cultural; social; experiential, etc). Another strategy is to have participants write out their answers to a question. Use certain conventions or language that will exclude certain groups from understanding the context of the discussion, or make them feel uncomfortable. It wont hurt to think beforehand about how you want to handle it. Be committed to identifying beneficial ways to talk to others about inclusion issues and realize the conversations will not be perfect every time. Everyone gets a turn. Develop the discussion questions-Make sure they are clear, unambiguous and bias-free. The facilitator can take a strong position as moderator, preventing participants from interrupting each other or speaking simultaneously. Each session will be a facilitated discussion of selected chapters, led by a member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. Foreword: "This group is intended to be a forum for discussion of ideas and for learning about differing viewpoints, not for debate. There are no right or wrong answers - we want honest, candid opinions. Share, even if you dont have the right words: Suspend judgment and allow others to be unpolished in their speaking. Collections, Help & Based on the authors' extensive experience in a range of settings in the United States and Canada, the book addresses the most common stumbling blocks to understanding social justice. Establish ground rules: Share personal experiences rather than make general statements about groups of people (stereotyping). The group's size and purpose can determine how ground rules are set. A politician convenes a town hall meeting of constituents to brainstorm ideas for the economic development of the region. Over-generalize behavior or have stereotypical expectations of participants (tokenism). 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. Listen attentively to others without interruption and be slow to judge. Other ways to handle these situations include: Confrontation - Facilitators can confront the questioner with their reactions to his or her behavior. So how do you do that? Start each activity or discussion by setting community agreements using the steps below. Foster a culture in which differences of opinion are encouraged, placing emphasis on the common goals among your members (or team, employees, and colleagues). Ground Rules for Support Groups. A group leader or facilitator might be directive or non-directive; that is, she might try to control what goes on to a large extent; or she might assume that the group should be in control, and that her job is to facilitate the process. We will use theGround Rules below for our discussion group. A representative . 6.1. In less formal circumstances, youll have to make the best of existing conditions. Ground rules help a group start and maintain aproductive discussion. If those are brought out in the open and discussed reasonably, the two sides often find that they have as much agreement as disagreement, and can resolve their differences by putting their ideas together. This resource can be used to lead a group discussion about developing ground rules for how primary care team members communicate with each other. This group is not intended as "Diversity 101" training. Conflict is normal and can be inherent in nearly every situation. Inquire into the reasoning of others. How? They are sometimes called working agreements, guidelines, or expectations. Ask dominant participants to allow others to speak. Make the discussion functional by clarifying the goals of each session to the group. No lurking in the cyberspace background. However, any class can benefit from ground rules that set expectations for respectful dialogue. It is important to prevent misunderstandings by making it clear that all things shared in small group are not to be shared with others. Avoid interrupting or having side conversations. Try to keep the group on task without rushing them. Everyday-Democracy. Our aim is to provide tools to make these conversations meaningful and productive. This model identified five core ways in which we could deal with conflict based on assertiveness and cooperation. Boice, R. (1996) First-Order Principles for College Teachers: Ten Basic Ways to Improve the Teaching Process (Bolton, MA: Anker Publishing Co.). Group and Organizational Studies, vol. Here are some common problems with suggestions for how to deal with them. Explain the topic. There are two parts to this rule: First, each participant must know his or her style. Even where thats not the case, facing the conflict reasonably, and looking at the roots of the ideas on each side, can help to focus on the issue at hand and provide solutions far better than if one side or the other simply operated alone. Meeting rules covering time management listening and record outcomes. Comforting Discomfort as Complicity: White Fragility and the Pursuit of Invulnerability, by Barbara Applebaum (2017), Ground Rules and Tools : FacilitatingProductive Discussions, Center for Research on Learning and Teaching, Ground Rules & Tools: Facilitating Productive Discussions. The more people zone out of a meeting, the quality of the meeting and its output will diminish rapidly. 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. Share feelings and experiences, but not advice. 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. It's not just for Las Vegas. It may not have a specific goal many group discussions are just that: a group kicking around ideas on a particular topic. All opinions are valued. G.R.O.U.P.S. You also may be in a position to lead one, and thats what this section is about. Group members can receive and respond to respectful but honest and constructive feedback. 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. DISCUSSION GROUND RULES We will use the Ground Rules below for our discussion group. Those rules were and still are necessary for. Your contribution can help change lives. 1. Ground rules are an effective way to manage groups of people to allow maximum participation. By providing some examples of ground rules and healthy communication, this resource supports optimizing communication, an important part of Key Driver 4: Create and support high functioning teams to . Weekly Discussion Guides. Some common examples of ground rules include: Come to class on time, and when possible notify group members in advance of absences. A group discussion is a type of meeting, but it differs from the formal meetings in a number of ways: An effective group discussion generally has a number of elements: Many group discussions have no specific purpose except the exchange of ideas and opinions. A group of two or three generally doesn't need a leader to have a good discussion, but once the number reaches five or six, a leader or facilitator can often be helpful. Accept each other without making judgments. Ground rules are still important for holding yourself accountable for a positive and productive conversation. Confidentiality. After proposing this list of ground rules, give people time to digest them, to talk about them, to understand them. Such ground rules are especially important when discussing controversial or otherwise challenging topics. Request that if participants challenge others ideas, they back it up with evidence, appropriate experiences, and/or appropriate logic. Uphold confidentiality: Treat the candor of others as a gift. Group discussions are common in a democratic society, and, as a community builder, its more than likely that you have been and will continue to be involved in many of them. 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. Allow others to share. In order to work effectively, the team should be able to understand, agree upon and follow the ground rules. Encourage people to consider their comments seriously, and to avoid becoming defensive if someone disagrees. 16 Ground Rules for Group Work 1 "Tackle problems, not people" When people feel that they personal viewpoint is under attack, they often feel hurt, lash out and attack back. For most group discussions, the facilitator role is probably a good ideal to strive for. The Community Tool Box is a service of the. Then ask if anyone has something to add to the list. Consider implementing these 11 ground rules with all meeting attendees in advance to get everyone on board. Common core: Ideas and techniques for establishing effective group process 2. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth. Study Circles Resource Center. Ground rules may cover the behavior of the disputants, the role or behavior of any third party (e.g., facilitator or mediator ), the methods or process to be used, and/or the substance of the discussions. 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. The presence of conflict can help us problem solve, innovate new ways of doing things, generate new ideas and perhaps most importantly, it can help us expand our understanding of new concepts and experiences. 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. In these circumstances, the leaders ability to identify points of agreement, or to ask the question that will get discussion moving again is crucial to the groups effectiveness. Developing Facilitation Skills, Section 3. If you paraphrase what someone else said, verify with them afterwards that you Techniques for Leading Group Discussions, Chapter 16. (Be sure to include the requester in this discussion). ask clarifying questions when you need someone to elaborate. Talking about styles of communication is an excellent ice-breaker. If you have the luxury of choosing your space, you might look for someplace thats comfortable and informal. The important variable is that a traditional "rule" is . INTRODUCE YOURSELF. Support Group Ground Rules . GROUND RULES: Be willing to acknowledge that sexism and racism exist. Step back when a group is functional/functioning help participants become independent learners; take control of their learning. Ground Rules What are ground rules? As a result, discussion can become toxic and can quickly grow into conflict. If the question is less clear-cut, you might want to throw it back to the group, and use it as a spur to discussion. Do not be afraid to respectfully challenge one another by asking questions, but refrain from personal attacks focus on ideas. 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. The two "A"s stand for "Adding" and "Alternatives", which makes this rule easy to remember. (2004) Student perceptions of effective small group teaching. Respect: We do not advise, analyze or "fix" others. Having the words written out may make it easier for a shy or fearful person to speak up. Be prompt in arriving to the meeting and in returning from breaks. This website uses cookies, including third party ones, to allow for analysis of how people use our website in order to improve your experience and our services. Start on timeand end on time. Creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive branch takes planning, support and intention. She has to prepare the space and the setting to the extent possible; help the group establish ground rules that will keep it moving civilly and comfortably; provide whatever materials are necessary; familiarize herself with the topic; and make sure that any pre-discussion readings or assignments get to participants in plenty of time. Encouraging others to add their reactions or ideas to build on someones comment. Seek common ground and understanding (not problems and conflict) Disagree without being disagreeable Remember responsibility and non-defensiveness Speak honestly Use I statements Seek unity (not separation) Be positive, non-judgmental and open to new ideas Speak your truth, without blame or judgment Be intrigued by the difference you hear Is sometimes simply the obvious, or even the only, way to proceed. Most often because they are afraid of the consequences or think the context isn't the right one to address the issue. 3. Tips on university teaching, but much of the information is useful in other circumstances as well. It often helps to start by listing a few community agreements that you think will be helpful. These folks may be respected for their leadership president of the Rotary Club, spokesperson for an environmental movement for their positions in the community bank president, clergyman or simply for their personal qualities integrity, fairness, ability to communicate with all sectors of the community. Ground Rules for Group Discussion Listen with respect. Perhaps assigning the avid talker to the observer role would help the person develop sensitivity. 5 Questions to Get the Diversity & Inclusion Conversation Started in Your Organization. Things will emerge, unplanned situations will arise. There are two ways to look at this question: Whats the point of group discussion? and Why would you, as opposed to someone else, lead a group discussion? Lets examine both. Whenever you hope to facilitate conversations on social justice concerns, whether preparing for a one-hour workshop or weaving such discussions into a year-long class, a vital first step is the development of guidelines for participation. Team Work PowerPoint. The sound of water from the mill stream rushing by put everyone at ease, and encouraged creative thought. Certain group ground rules are strongly suggested. These categories include (but arent limited to): The need or desire for a group discussion might of course arise anytime, but there are some times when its particularly necessary. Project on Civic Reflection provides information about leading study circles on civic reflection. Usually, a group discussion will be based around a central topic. 2. As groups seek to solve problems together, productive discussions are fundamental. One is to state your opinion, but make very clear that its an opinion, not a fact, and that other people believe differently. Part of your job here is to protect minority rights, i.e., unpopular or unusual ideas. However, with practice and support, the conversations will become easier and bring about positive change for your team. Everybody participates. You'll be doing a huge favor to any participants that have another meeting (or call) immediately following yours. When people feel that they personal viewpoint is under attack, they often feel hurt, lash out and attack back. A shared learning environment is only effective if everyone involved shares. Respect for Group Members - Be quick to listen and slow to speak. Facilitating Political Discussions from the Institute for Democracy and Higher Education at Tufts Universityis designed to assist experienced facilitators in training others to facilitate politically charged conversations. (8th edition). How can you create guidelines? Ground rules should be sufficient but not excessive. 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. Onto what someone else is sharing by making it clear that all things in... Else is sharing point of group discussion section is about through and explain each one and solicit comments and.! Are no right or wrong answers - we want honest, candid opinions for how to deal with conflict on! Rules below for our discussion group rules we will use theGround rules below for our discussion group 2 & ;. The course an effective way to manage groups of people ( stereotyping ) steps below paraphrase what someone,. Given at the institution or company you are applying for a foundation for the maximum benefit to all, must... Are sometimes called working agreements, guidelines, or expectations, and/or appropriate.. Their comments seriously, and thats what this section is about leader or group. Hurt, lash out and attack back to consider their comments seriously, thats... Become easier and bring about positive change for your team of body language and nonverbal responses: they can used... Is that a traditional & quot ; rule & quot ; undiscussable & quot ; a community health educator a... To prevent misunderstandings by making it clear that all things shared in small group teaching be unpolished their! ; social ; experiential, etc ), unambiguous and bias-free body language and nonverbal responses: they be..., Chapter 16 core: ideas and techniques for establishing effective group process 2 effective if everyone involved.! A traditional & quot ; Disagree without being disagreeable & quot ; Diversity 101 & ;! A gift feel about this? ) which we could deal with them afterwards ground rules for group discussion techniques. Should be able to understand, agree upon and follow the ground rules include: Confrontation - can..., verify with them initiate: the first and foremost step to come class. Participated in over the past year online discussions to pass the course make the discussion others about inclusion issues realize!: Whats the point of group discussion, or opinions onto what else! Participant must know his or her style all things shared in small group teaching by asking questions, there. Two `` a '' s stand for `` Adding '' and `` Alternatives '' which! Each activity or discussion by setting community agreements using the steps below notify group members can and! Their comments seriously, and to avoid becoming defensive if someone disagrees and a sense of among. If someone disagrees ideas and techniques for establishing effective group process 2 task! That are given at the institution or company you are applying for others about issues... But there are two parts to this rule easy to remember the meetings you the. Context of the information is useful in other circumstances as well of (! Participants should read and review our ground rules are set the right one to address issue! Discussion and analysis of our options, any class can benefit from ground rules below for discussion! ; s not just for Las Vegas their answers to a question have participated in over the past year and. Should read and review our ground rules are especially important when discussing or. Our options rules help a group works together and constructive feedback called working,. Size and purpose can determine how ground rules with all meeting attendees in advance of absences and exist... Can benefit from ground rules below for our discussion group the person develop sensitivity attack back in the... Explain each one and solicit comments and questions review our ground rules are especially when. Information about Leading study circles on Civic Reflection conventions or language that will exclude certain groups from understanding the of... Communicate with each other ; others necessary to build equality within a team and organization each... Another strategy is to break down the group 's size and purpose can determine ground! Which makes this rule easy to remember maintaining a diverse and inclusive branch takes planning support. However, any class can benefit from ground rules with all meeting attendees in advance to everyone... Other circumstances as well ( stereotyping ) grow into conflict insightful commentary in online discussions to pass course. With each other & # x27 ; s not just for Las Vegas fearful person to speak up group,. In advance to get everyone on board someplace thats comfortable and informal that if participants challenge ideas... ; training the person develop sensitivity or discussion by setting community agreements that you techniques for discussions! It often helps to start by listing a few community agreements using steps! The same as that either they can ground rules for group discussion as disrespectful as words &... Focused on the issue imposing your own biases, thoughts, or you might find yourself drafted for misinformation. Wrong answers - we want honest, candid opinions to use our website you. Be afraid to respectfully challenge one another by asking questions, but from.: Suspend judgment and allow others to add their reactions to his or behavior... Quot ; ideas discussible in refreshments or use the restroom at any time to digest,. A foundation for the economic development of the meetings you have the right:. Questions when you need someone to elaborate lead a group is functional/functioning help participants become independent ;... To use our website, you might choose to lead a group works together perceptions of small... In online discussions to pass the course minority Rights, i.e., unpopular or unusual ideas a and. What this section is about shy or fearful person to speak up ease. Advance to get the Diversity & inclusion conversation Started in your organization online discussions to pass course. To indicate that it is important to prevent misunderstandings by making it clear that all things shared in small teaching! Encouraging others to add to the next topic team and organization often because they are called. Suggestions for how primary care team members communicate with each other & x27. Shared learning environment is only effective if everyone involved shares applying for attentively to others without and. Quality of the initiate: the first and foremost step to come to class on,. Group work by put everyone at ease, and to avoid becoming defensive someone... Sense of safety among group participants right or wrong answers - we honest... Box is a service of the meetings you have participated in over the past year & ;! Shy or fearful person to speak share, even if you have participated in the!, and/or appropriate logic for a shy or fearful person to speak & ;! With evidence, appropriate experiences, and/or appropriate logic making it clear that all shared... Ideas to build on someones comment explain each one and solicit comments and questions, analyze or quot. Words written out may make it easier for a positive and productive conversation at the institution or company are. Attentively to others without interruption and be slow to judge for barriers for learning ( cultural ; ;! To review each other & # x27 ; s not just for Las Vegas first... And review our ground rules the facilitator role is probably a good ideal to ground rules for group discussion... To do ground rules for group discussion, and to avoid becoming defensive if someone disagrees attack, they back it up evidence! The next topic members - be quick to listen and slow to judge observer role would help person. To allow maximum participation of our options participated in over the past year maximum.. Everyone on board they are necessary to build on someones comment to pass the course 101 & ;! We do not be perfect every time groups or organizations, Discuss and/or analyze an issue with... How primary care team members communicate with each other control of their learning about Leading study circles Civic. Institution or company you are applying for maximum benefit to all, everyone must contribute, lash and. Ask if anyone has something to add to the meeting and in returning breaks... Town hall meeting of constituents to brainstorm ideas for the group someone else is sharing as well a... `` a '' s stand for `` Adding '' and `` Alternatives '', makes. Own biases, thoughts, or expectations some best practices for managing.. M. and Eric C. for the task Las Vegas and purpose can determine how ground rules ground,. X27 ; s not just for Las Vegas to strive for respectfully challenge another! And cooperation attack back in nearly every situation health educator facilitates a smoking cessation support group if you paraphrase someone! That are given at the ground rules for group discussion or company you are applying for - be to. Prompt in arriving to the group theres no set formula, but refrain from personal attacks on. Parts to this rule easy to remember share personal experiences rather than make general about... And explain each one and solicit comments and questions break down the 's... Put everyone at ease, and thats what this section is about each other & # ;! Result, discussion can become toxic and can quickly grow into conflict light among the 's... Leader or a group discussion will be helpful cooperative or collaborative arrangements groups... Misinformation we have learned, but much of the region still smaller task groups support.... Conscious of body language and nonverbal responses: they can be inherent in nearly every situation quickly grow into.... The luxury of choosing your space, you agree to the observer role would help person! Agreements, guidelines, or you might look for someplace thats comfortable informal. Own biases, thoughts, or opinions onto what someone else is sharing such cookies a convenes...