Group Agreements List: How to Set Ground Rules for Productive Group Discussions
Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful team or group. In order to ensure that group discussions and meetings are productive, it’s important to establish ground rules. These ground rules should be agreed upon by all members of the group and are known as group agreements. A group agreements list outlines the expectations and guidelines for communication within the group, and without it, discussions can quickly become unproductive.
Here are some tips on how to create a group agreements list that can help make your next meeting more productive:
Start with a brainstorming session
The first step in creating a group agreements list is to brainstorm a list of items that should be included. In this initial stage, it’s important to encourage every member to contribute their thoughts and ideas. This can be done through a group discussion or by using a collaborative tool like Google Docs.
Identify the key elements
Once you’ve gathered the input from all members, identify the most important elements that everyone can agree on. These key elements should be prioritized and should form the basis of the group agreements list.
Keep it simple
An effective group agreements list should be easy to remember and understand. Keep the language simple and make sure that the list is not too long. An ideal group agreements list should include no more than five to seven items.
Be specific
Each item on the group agreements list should be as specific as possible. Instead of simply stating “be respectful”, consider adding specific examples of what respectful behavior looks like, such as “listen actively and don’t interrupt others when they’re speaking”.
Make it visible
Once the group agreements list has been finalized, make sure that it is visible to all members of the group. This can be done by posting it on a wall or whiteboard in the meeting room. It’s also a good practice to start each meeting by reviewing the list to make sure that everyone understands and remembers the guidelines.
Some examples of items that can be included in a group agreements list are:
1. Respect each other’s opinions and perspectives
2. Listen actively and avoid interrupting others when they’re speaking
3. Stay on topic and avoid going off on tangents
4. Avoid using derogatory or offensive language
5. Do not be afraid to ask questions or seek clarification
By creating a group agreements list, you can ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals. This can help to create a more productive and positive environment for all members of the group. Remember to keep the list simple, specific, and visible, and you’ll be on your way to having more productive and successful group discussions.
