Setting Ground Rules that Lead to More Productivity in Your Meetings and Brainstorming Sessions

Interact and Learn! Download the Handouts and PowerPoint Chat with the Instructor Chat with Each Other Ask Questions – Make Comments Learn Something That You’ll Immediately Apply

What We’ll Cover in this Session A list of ground rules to consider for your meetings When to use and when not to use them Some examples of “how to apply” ground rules

Polling Question #1 We Currently Use Ground Rules in Our Meetings Yes No

Everyone participate, no one dominate

Share the airtime

Success depends on participation – share ideas, ask questions, draw others out

Listen to understand

Use I statements

Listen for the future to emerge

One speaker at a time

Seek unity (not separation)

Disagree without being disagreeable

Share your unique perspective

Share your experience (not others)

Speak honestly

Stay open to new ways of doing things

All ideas are valid

Critique ideas, not people

Be positive, non-judgmental and open to new ideas

Remember responsibility and non- defensiveness

Great things happens through conversation

Respect each others’ thinking and value their contributions

Be aware of meaningless abstraction

Treat what you hear as an opportunity to learn and grow

Articulate hidden assumptions

Challenge cherished beliefs

Show up and CHOOSE to be present

Staying on schedule is everyone’s responsibility; honor time limits

Be brief and meaningful when voicing your opinion

Whatever is said in the room stays in the room

Ask “what’s possible?” not “what’s wrong”? Keep asking

Seek common ground and understanding (not problems and conflict)

“Yes…and” thinking (not, “Yes…but”)

Stay out of the weeds and the swamps

Have fun!

Once you set your meeting guidelines, be sure that all of your participants are aware of your expectations. A great way to keep them reminded, without saying a word, is to use a visual agenda. That way you have a graphic reference of the ground rules in plain view where they can help the group regulate themselves.

Thank People for Attending!