How to set ground rules for meetings
23 June 2009
A while back I wrote a blog about the advantages of using facilitators or ground rules to improve the internal communication that happens in meetings, but didn't look at the process by which such ground rules could be set. So it might help some if I do so now...
If I am operating as a facilitator in some internal communication project I do prefer to engage the delegates in a debate with a set of ground rule statements on sticky labels or cards and invite them to
prioritise the list plus add in up to three of their own.
Such statements include:
- Be punctual when returning from breaks
- One person speaks at a time, no side talking or interrupting
- Respect confidentiality, the speaker owns to copyright
- Turn off mobile devices, yes that is OFF not silent
- Help the record keep accurate note of the flip charts
- Make your own needs known to the group
- Speak for yourself. Say "I believe/think" rather than infer a whole group of people do
- Offer ideas as "one idea we could discuss" rather than "My idea is"
- What approaches do you use to set ground rules with new groups of delegates?
- What ground rule statements do you find most helpful to improve communication within groups and meetings?
Share this on 
Kenny Campbell - Thursday 20 August 2009 12:40
Fairly similar idea. Put some flipchart sheets round the room and get the participants to populate (Sounds posher than write on doesn't it?) under the headings "What do you want from event?" "What will you give to event?" "Any concerns?" Facilitator can contribute own thoughts on Ways of working (Actually "Ways of working" can be an alternative title as I know some people who bristle at the thought of anything with the word "Rule" in it)
Shaun Gisbourne - Wednesday 24 June 2009 09:06
With meetings there's always a danger they can over-run. Clear agenda with equal 'air-time' for all parties is vital. This is as applicable to conference calls as to face-to-face situations Bob, thank you for sharing
