Guidelines for Group Behavior
1.ÊAt the start of any meeting, it is essential that the group agree on the objectives (purpose, goal) of the meeting. This often means devoting time to an airing of the expectations of the members and a brief discussion of how the group will know that the objectives have been met. Often it is good to have these expected outcomes written down in brief, crisp wording, on the premeeting announcement, a handout, or a flip chart. At any time during the meeting that any member is confused or has reason to question the relevance of what is being discussed, he or she should ask how it relates to the objectives of the meeting.
2.ÊIf participants are new to one another and have not functioned as a group before, it is appropriate to spend a few minutes at the start of a meeting to establish ground rules. They become a tool for reaching agreement on the procedure to be used in dealing with issues and reaching the objectives.
3.ÊEveryone in the group has an equal right to his or her opinion. Members owe one another the courtesy of listening objectively and hearing out all relevant contributions before taking action or attempting to reach consensus.
4.ÊAny member who feels that another member has been cut off, misunderstood, or not given a fair hearing should bring this observation to the groupÕs attention and return the discussion to the member who was cut off.
5.ÊOn the other hand, any member who feels that another memberÕs behavior is counterproductive to the groupÕs objectives and goals should attempt to bring the member back into the fold or to find out if other members see the behavior as disruptive.
6.ÊAny member wishing to speak should first be recognized by the leader. This is not always practical (e.g., when discussion is rolling and highly interactive), so the leader and members reserve the right to call time and identify the persons the group wants to hear from. (Without this option of calling time, no one will be heard if the group lapses into a verbal free-for-all.)
7.ÊFeedback is essential if people are to know how their comments are received, especially if there is doubt as to whether the group understood. It is appropriate for any member to give a member feedback. Example: ÒLet me see if I understand the point youÕre making, Fred. You seem to be saying three things. First,....Ó
8.ÊAny member who feels that the process is not supporting the objectives of the meeting should share this observation, whether privately with the leader or publicly with the full group, whichever is appropriate. Example: If the group wants to vote on a decision prematurely (i.e., without airing all the facts, without trying to reach consensus), any member who recognizes this should bring it to the groupÕs attention and not simply go along with the others.