Group Facilitation Tip: Creating Ground Rules with Your Group

Building in time at the start of your next group program (workshop, retreat or group coaching program) for the group to create some groundrules, ways of working, or terms of engagement, creates a safe and even playing field for all group members.

I typically spend 5-10 minutes with each group I am working with in creating a group charter or set of ground rules which we will all follow for the time we are working together. It is very similar to designing the alliance in an individual 1-1 coaching session, however, in the group context it facilitates the design of a group alliance. I use this exercise with groups that are just forming, as well as intact teams that may be joining me for a half day program or longer.

I like to have the group come up with their ways of working - how they will be together. Some of the ground rules I will propose for the group to consider include:
* Starting and ending on time
* Respecting each other's ideas, thoughts and opinions
* Respecting confidentiality (so what is discussed in the room, stays in the room)
*Agreeing to play fully during the course of the program

It's also amazing to see what group's come up with as well -- often suggestions like only having one person speak at a time.

Some of these guidelines/ways of working may seem very basic, but people are people, and groups are groups. I will post the Group Charter/Ground Rules/Ways of Working in the venue setting so we can refer back to them as we move forward with the program. It's interesting to see how we sometimes need to refer back to them even six weeks into a multi-week program.

You can also facilitate this process in a virtual environment during teleclasses or teleseminars.

What are some of the ground rules you usually propose, or have seen with groups. Feel free to share your comments below.

Have a wonderful week,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CHRP
Potentials Realized
Group Coaching Essentials
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