Meeting Agreements or "Ground Rules"

Meeting agreements or ground rules are rules that the entire group agrees to live by while on a Task Force, or attending a retreat or meeting. They often include not only what we will do, but also how we will interact with one another. Ground rules should be generated by the group and should be posted each time you meet. Here is a list of agreements we often hear and encourage.

1. Come on time and be prepared with assignments and agreements.

2. Listen respectfully; acknowledge other viewpoints as valid.

3. One person speaks at a time.

4. Be crisp, say what is essential.

5. Be honest-don't hold back. No disfavor, penalty, or reprisal will occur for being honest and truthful.

6. Place greater emphasis on the good of the firm/team/department than on personal preference or need; speak to the big

picture.

7. Remember that others really do see the world differently from you-they're not making it up.

8. Focus on behaviors and problems, not on personalities.

9. Consider conflict as a necessary stage along the path of progress.

10. Look for ways to enlarge the pie instead of worrying about how big your piece is be.

11. Maintain team integrity/confidentiality.

12. Give the facilitator the power to interrupt, maintain order and keep the group focused on the stated goals.

Most groups will not need this many agreements, but if they are posted each time you meet people can help the facilitator by referring to them if people break the rules.