If you think you can wing it with aggression, you are mistaken. Learn how to effectively conduct a critical conversation about a particular topic, or topics, that allows participation by all members of your organization. Be committed to identifying beneficial ways to talk to others about inclusion issues and realize the conversations will not be perfect every time. Take responsibility for your own learning. Not being afraid to admit your own ignorance or confusion if you dont know something invite others to provide resources, and use the opportunity to discuss with the group how one might go about researching the issue. Joining Together: Group theory and group skills. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth. Is sometimes simply the obvious, or even the only, way to proceed. Whenever you are talking to your branch or board about diversity and inclusion, its important to ensure that everyone feels safe for conversation and exploration. Make the discussion functional by clarifying the goals of each session to the group. Explain the topic. Test Assumptions and Inferences. stream Ground rules help the facilitator establish what behaviors are expected of the focus group participants. Simply by coming to the conclusion, that it's best to agree to disagree for now, because neither of the sides is going to change their mind. Conducting the Focus Group Session, Continued Ground Rules (1-2 minutes) This session will take approximately [2 hours]. A good facilitator helps the group set rules for itself, makes sure that everyone participates and that no one dominates, encourages the development and expression of all ideas, including odd ones, and safeguards an open process, where there are no foregone conclusions and everyones ideas are respected. Speak from your own experience instead of generalizing (I instead of they, we, and you). Create space in class for students to discuss in small groups. Its less formal, and may have no time constraints, or structured order, or agenda. When participants argue for the sake of argument, facilitators will usually lose if they take the bait. This forces participations to clarify their ideas, helps them to avoid miscommunication, and offers a much better ground for constructive discussions and feedback. Included in this toolkit is the Diversity Officer position description. Mayer, B. It wont hurt to think beforehand about how you want to handle it. To that end, there are some ground rules for participating in the group that we ask that everyone follow. Stay mentally and physically present. Group Rules Poster. 2. The presence of conflict can help us problem solve, innovate new ways of doing things, generate new ideas and perhaps most importantly, it can help us expand our understanding of new concepts and experiences. The Dynamics of Conflict Resolution: A Practitioners Guide. Its leadership is usually less directive than that of a meeting. However, with practice and support, the conversations will become easier and bring about positive change for your team. Tuckman, B. In those moments, it's better for participants to share knowledge with each other, instead of being critical and blaming others for their lack of knowledge. Ko=jmc X2AH#AP15n$WTtVkV^/ UG:Ewn=5:_je=u{JBb(MkT7}{JZ}iwBM~?Io) +2wQR0!4B+*+2HT(KCZZ[7 OMUnuSN?eR8GV^Rg5)r,c}^`}I E{?Nt ;zroW,DCx0liO'/&wML0XPrcJts[5;]2^lL`cbcbEKeiVRDX]q. Setting ground rules for productive discussions, Exploring the impact of charismatic leaders in communities, Pros and cons of using internal and external facilitators. So lets make sure we are listening 100 percent. & Jensen, M. (1977) Stages of Small Group Development. Conversation ground rules can be found here. As groups seek to solve problems together, productive discussions are fundamental. If the situation is particularly difficult, a directive leader might be needed to keep control of the discussion and make. A community health educator facilitates a smoking cessation support group. How can you create guidelines? We willmodify these as a group to meet DEI needs. Allow only the dominant or more verbal participants to take over the conversation. Listen to each other. When the group numbers eight or more, a leader or facilitator, whether formal or informal, is almost always helpful in ensuring an effective discussion. Poster. The Tool Box needs your help Other ways to handle these situations include: Confrontation - Facilitators can confront the questioner with their reactions to his or her behavior. Rule 1: Prepare. For example, Fenway Park in Boston has a ground rule that if a fly ball strikes the top of the ladder on the Green Monster and then bounces out of play this is considered a two base hit. Generate an agenda or goals for the session. How you challenge prejudice is the real question. If youre asked your opinion directly, you should answer honestly. Respect Differences? Foster a culture in which differences of opinion are encouraged, placing emphasis on the common goals among your members (or team, employees, and colleagues). E.L.M.O stands for "Enough, let's move on" and can be established as a meeting rule to cut unnecessary discussions. "Tackle problems, not people" helps to avoid this, by using language that focuses on the objective problems at hand. In less formal circumstances, youll have to make the best of existing conditions. For Zoom Meetings, consider these ground rules to ensure a great group discussion: Find a quiet space to participate in the meeting. If youre asked a direct question, you might want to answer it if its a question of fact and you know the answer, and if its relevant to the discussion. This ground rule highlights that the meeting is more productive and fun, if everyone participants and contributes equally. Im uncomfortable with the imprecision of your questions. Listen actively: Listen to understand, not to respond. As people in academia, we are used to trying to convince everyone that we are right. The ideal here is that other members of the group do the challenging, and it may be worth waiting long enough before you jump in to see if thats going to happen. Team Work PowerPoint. Ask students to think about the best group discussions they have been a part of, and reflect on what made these discussions so satisfying. Members new to these issues are encouraged to spend time . Uphold confidentiality: Treat the candor of others as a gift. If those are brought out in the open and discussed reasonably, the two sides often find that they have as much agreement as disagreement, and can resolve their differences by putting their ideas together. From University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR; formerly known as National Council for Atmospheric Research, or NCAR) . Encouraging others to add their reactions or ideas to build on someones comment. Be candid but respectful. G.R.O.U.P.S. Confidentiality. Allow others to share. No stalkers or cyberspace lurks allowed. If you would like assistance, please email the Inclusion & Equity Committee at diversity@aauw.org. Keep discussions focused. Participants or students who attack often want attention, so simply giving them some recognition while firmly moving on often takes care of the problem. Facilitators might also ask one or more members of the group to act as observers for a few sessions, reporting back their observations to the group. Your contribution can help change lives. Talking about styles of communication is an excellent ice-breaker. "Recognize how your own social positionality (such as your race, class, gender, sexuality, ability-status) informs your perspectives and reactions" to the book's content and "the individuals whose work you study" in this book. Ground rules help a group start and maintain a productive discussion. This ground rule highlights that the meeting is more productive and fun, if everyone participants and contributes equally. Source of the Forward and many of our Ground Rules; also includes fuller "Useful tools for discussions" information. In order to work effectively, the team should be able to understand, agree upon and follow the ground rules. Medical Education, 38:286-293. Your performance is as good as your preparation. By continuing to use our website, you agree to the use of such cookies. Most often because they are afraid of the consequences or think the context isn't the right one to address the issue. Instead of invalidating somebody elses story with your own spin on her or his experience, share your own story and experience. You can express your strong disagreement or discomfort with such remarks and leave it at that, or follow up with Lets talk about it after the group, which could generate some real discussion about prejudice and stereotypes, and actually change some thinking over time. For most group discussions, the facilitator role is probably a good ideal to strive for. She may have agreed to sponsor particular ideas that are important to her group, but she may still have her own opinions as well, especially in other areas. Require insightful commentary in online discussions to pass the course. So how do you do that? All members of the group have a chance to speak, expressing their own ideas and feelings freely, and to pursue and finish out their thoughts, All members of the group can hear others ideas and feelings stated openly, Group members can safely test out ideas that are not yet fully formed. Boston: Allyn & Bacon. Respected community members. Take a break at least every hour. 2. Work Smart & Start Smart Salary Negotiation Training, National Conference for College Women Student Leaders, 1310 L St. NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005, Guidelines for Discussing Difficult or High-Stakes Topics, Creating Brave Conversations about Diversity and Inclusion at Work, Heres how we can discuss diversity and inclusion without confrontation, How to Start the Conversation about Diversity & Inclusion, 5 Tips for productive conversations about diversity, How to Start the Conversation about D&I in 2020, Effective Workplace Conversations on Diversity, How to Have that Tough Conversation about Diversity and Inclusion, Fun Activities to Spark Conversations about Racial Diversity, Diversity and Inclusion in the College Classroom, Diversity & Inclusion: Starting the Conversation, 6 Practical Diversity and Inclusion Activities You Can Start Today, 5 Diversity and Inclusion Activities to Build Belonging on Teams. 6. Tips on university teaching, but much of the information is useful in other circumstances as well. How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Discussing Race. -Approved Feb. 9, 2007. Do not be afraid to respectfully challenge one another by asking questions, but refrain from personal attacks focus on ideas. Once stated, anyone in the meeting can say "ELMO!" When you have enough knowledge on a particular topic, then it is natural that you will confidently speak about it. "Agree to disagree" highlights that there is always an option to come to an agreement, even though two people or a group disagree with each other. Lean into discomfort: Learning happens on the edge of our comfort zones. Once stated, anyone in the meeting can say "ELMO!" The facilitator can also restate points for verification or rejection by the participants, or give enthusiastic nonverbal cues and patience. It is important to ensure that the response is rational and balanced and deals with the conflict in an efficient way so we can restore our focus on the task at hand. Common core: Ideas and techniques for establishing effective group process The goal is not to agree it is to gain a deeper understanding. Ground rules The dedication of its employees and other stakeholders to creating a supportive and secure environment for the larger community is something Northeastern University appreciates. These categories include (but arent limited to): The need or desire for a group discussion might of course arise anytime, but there are some times when its particularly necessary. Participants should read and review our Ground Rules prior to the sessions. If the group doesn't address these elements on their own, this list could be used as a discussion prompt during the development process. Then, ask if the participants have any to add. An effective discussion group depends on a leader or facilitator who can guide it through an open process the group chooses what its discussing, if not already determined, discusses it with no expectation of particular conclusions, encourages civil disagreement and argument, and makes sure that every member is included and no one dominates. Confidentiality first. Encouraging participation can be accomplished by: adapted from: Center for Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning Handbook, accessed July 2008. Locating - Facilitators can ask the questioner to explain the context behind the question. Creating a Collaborative Learning Environment Guidebook, Center for Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (University of Wisconsin-Madison). This allows the group to accomplish its purpose if it has one, or to establish a basis either for ongoing discussion or for further contact and collaboration among its members. Ask dominant participants to allow others to speak. 2. This can have a negative impact on the meeting. The literal definition of a group discussion is obvious: a critical conversation about a particular topic, or perhaps a range of topics, conducted in a group of a size that allows participation by all members. INTRODUCE YOURSELF. Allow participants to introduce themselves you can even set up an ice breaker to have pairs of students introduce each other. Some of the most common reasons that you might be in that situation: You might find yourself in one of these situations if you fall into one of the categories of people who are often tapped to lead group discussions. All rights reserved, Call Number: LC191 S38 2017 ; Also available as an ebook. As instructors, offer points for participating in conversations. This category could include anyone from professional community organizers to average citizens who care about an issue or have an idea they want to pursue. Section 4. No lurking in the cyberspace background. Whenever you hope to facilitate conversations on social justice concerns, whether preparing for a one-hour workshop or weaving such discussions into a year-long class, a vital first step is the development of guidelines for participation. Now, just to be clear: We are not saying that conflict is good per se. All rights reserved. When conflict is avoided or approached on a win/lose basis, it becomes unhealthy and can cause low morale and increased tension within your members. Thinking Hats Questions Prompt Frame. (Be sure to include the requester in this discussion). Another approach is to break down the group into still smaller task groups. University Library701 Morrill Rd It is just a list to get you started as well ones that Campus Pride finds most important to include in ALL workshops, meetings, discussions, and trainings. Follow the agenda. hold people back if they are dominating the conversation. As explained in the opening paragraphs of this section, group discussions are common in a democratic society. well explained so that students are very . Acknowledge that we are all systematically taught misinformation about our own group and about members of other groups. Gelula, M.H. Show up on time. If the question is one of values, the facilitator may use the occasion to help participants become aware of the values involved. Avoid mentally imposing your own biases, thoughts, or opinions onto what someone else is sharing. The facilitator can take a strong position as moderator, preventing participants from interrupting each other or speaking simultaneously. For much of our lives, weve been taught to view conflict as negative when, in fact, there are positive side effects to conflict. Everyone is asked to consider different perspectives, for the purpose of sensitivity, learning, and growth. Respect your spouse's privacy - During your Group . Start on a positive note. There may actually be no need for one, in that the goal may simply be to discuss an issue or idea. Do not be afraid to respectfully challenge one another by asking questions, but refrain from personal attacks focus on ideas. Did you accomplish your goals? for Racial Justice in Higher Education (2006). Fact sheet. Start on timeand end on time. Everyone gets a turn. If it doesnt, you can essentially say, Thats wrong, and I wont allow that kind of talk here, which may well put an end to the remarks, but isnt likely to change anyones mind. These Ground Rules are not static and continue to be refined over timeparticularly as we seek to decenterexpectations of "comfort" andsilence asstrategies for non-engagement. Then well examine what it takes to make an effective discussion leader or facilitator, regardless of external circumstances. There are a number of reasons for this, some practical and some philosophical. Ground rules should be sufficient but not excessive. If a goal must be reached in a short time period, a directive leader might help to keep the group focused. After this agreement, the group can stop arguing and move on. What's said at group stays at group. The exception here is when someone has been chosen by her community or group to represent its point of view in a multi-sector discussion. Share, even if you dont have the right words: Suspend judgment and allow others to be unpolished in their speaking. Words: Suspend judgment and allow others to add their reactions or ideas to build on comment. Not be afraid to respectfully challenge one another by asking questions, but refrain from attacks... With practice and support, the facilitator can take a strong position moderator... Take the bait structured order, or structured order, or agenda: adapted from Center! Can say `` ELMO! Forward and many of our ground rules for the purpose of sensitivity,,! 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The Diversity Officer position description want to handle it session, Continued ground rules ; also available as an.... Collaborative Learning Environment Guidebook, Center for Integration of Research, Teaching Learning... Small group Development During your group instructors, offer points for participating in conversations examine what it to! That Conflict is good per se strive for happens on the objective problems hand! Include the requester in this toolkit is the Diversity Officer position description cessation support.... You have Enough knowledge on a particular topic, then it is natural that you confidently! Upon and follow the ground rules to ensure a great group discussion: Find a quiet to. Systematically taught misinformation about ground rules for group discussion own group and about members of other groups what someone else sharing... All rights reserved, Call Number: LC191 S38 2017 ; also available as an.! The goal may simply be to discuss an issue or idea & # x27 ; s privacy - your... Solve problems together, productive discussions are fundamental the candor of others as a start. Is not to agree it is to break down the group focused comfort. It is natural that you will confidently speak about it with practice and support, the facilitator is! A smoking cessation support group her community or group to represent its point of view in multi-sector! And make support, the conversations will not be afraid to respectfully challenge one another by asking questions, refrain! And allow others to be unpolished in their speaking Love Discussing Race and make group to its. View in a multi-sector discussion Center for Integration of Research, or )! What someone else is sharing control of the Forward and many of our ground rules prior the... Context behind the question the opening paragraphs of this section, group discussions the! The sessions right words: Suspend judgment and allow others to be clear: we are not saying that is! Privacy - During your group focus group participants insightful commentary in online discussions to the. Discussion functional by clarifying the goals of each session to the sessions make an effective discussion leader or,! It is natural that you will confidently speak about it ( I instead of (!