Length:
30 minutes
There is good evidence that you can improve your discussions and decisions by making and following a few ground rules for your team.
- Check out the list below as a team and adapt them to your own circumstances and the way you like to work. Add some, delete some, change whatever doesn't work for you, but stick to the spirit of these rules as they are based on the best research we have.
- Make a commitment as a team to sticking to them, and work out a way that any team member can flag up if they think they are not being followed. It could be as simple as calling a quick Time-Out, holding up a yellow card - whatever works for you.
- Re-visit the ground rules any time you need to - they have to work for you!
Task ground rules
Evidence first, opinion second.
Base decisions on analysis, not power.
Seek solutions that meet shared objectives.
People ground rules
Listen up: critique ideas, respect individuals.
Speak up: don't be shy; different views are encouraged.
Hush up: if you talk too much.
Be prepared to change your mind, but not just to conform.
Disagree without being disagreeable.
Act towards others as you would have them act towards you.
Or you could watch the video to start your discussion going!