Facilitating group discussions, especially when addressing disagreement and conflict, can be challenging. To foster constructive dialogue, it’s essential for the group to establish and commit to shared ground rules, outlined through T.R.U.S.T..
Trust and Safe Space
We will create a safe space built on trust where everyone feels comfortable sharing openly.
- Creating a safe space is foundational to productive dialogue. Everyone should feel comfortable expressing their thoughts without fear of judgment or retaliation.
- Trust enables us to have challenging conversations constructively. Participants must know their words will be respected and handled with care.
- The trust we build in this room extends to confidentiality—what is shared here stays here, promoting honesty and openness.
- As we discuss sensitive topics, we’ll prioritize psychological safety, ensuring no one feels attacked or defensive. This promotes honest, open dialogue.
Respect, Professionalism, and Integrity in Speech
We will always communicate with respect, maintaining professionalism and integrity.
- We’ll engage in respectful and considerate communication of all perspectives, even when we disagree.
- Maintaining professionalism means staying calm, measured, and constructive in our language, ensuring the discussion remains productive.
- Integrity requires honesty but also tact. It’s about speaking the truth while ensuring our words do not harm or alienate others.
Understanding and Active Listening
We will actively listen to one another, be open to new ideas, and commit to mutual understanding.
- Active listening goes beyond just hearing words—it requires fully engaging with the speaker, reflecting on their points, and asking clarifying questions when needed.
- Encourage participants to practice empathetic listening to understand what is being said and why it’s important to the speaker.
- Emphasize the importance of being open to new ideas. A productive discussion isn’t about defending positions but finding solutions that work for everyone.
- Listening is as crucial as speaking. Sometimes, stepping back to absorb another’s perspective can lead to new insights.
Support Equal Opportunity to Speak
We will ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to speak and contribute to the discussion.
- Ensure that everyone feels they have an equal chance to contribute, regardless of their role or opinion.
- Inclusivity is vital to the success of the facilitation. All voices matter, and it’s through hearing a diversity of perspectives that we can reach the best outcomes.
- Encourage participants to be mindful of how much they speak. If someone has been quiet, provide space for them to share their thoughts, promoting a more balanced discussion.
- Valuing every voice ensures that quieter or more reserved members are encouraged to participate, preventing dominant voices from steering the conversation unfairly.
Target Future-Focused and Goal-Oriented Discussions
We will remain focused on the future and solutions, aiming toward shared goals.
- We’ll keep our eyes on the future, focusing on solutions and what comes next rather than dwelling on past mistakes or grievances.
- Encourage a mindset of problem-solving and progress—shifting the conversation from blame to how the board can work together moving forward.
- The goal is to leave with a clear plan, ensuring everyone agrees on the next steps.
- Everything we discuss should be goal-oriented and aligned with continuing the important work.
Rozlyn E. Haley 