SAMPLE GROUND RULES Be present Demonstrate your respect and…

SAMPLE GROUND RULES Be present Demonstrate your respect and commitment by setting aside potential distractions. Turn off electronics. If you need to be reached in case of emergency for your children or business, designate a contact person. Be present at the scheduled start time so the meeting can get the job done. Devote room in your life and your heart to this meeting. Be respectful in words and action Speak respectfully, pay attention when someone else is talking, and avoid jumping in to finish sentences. Avoid negative body language such as eye-rolling, shaking heads, or other indications of emotional reaction unless you follow up by talking directly about your reaction. Keep profanity to a minimum. If you have a question or point to make, wait for an opening or raise a hand to indicate you have something to bring up. You will appreciate it when others do that while you are talking. Listen Listening is a skill that must be practiced, but it pays off tremendously. Be willing to demonstrate you understand what the other person is saying before making your own point. You may find you are reacting to what you believe someone said, not what was really said. When someone else is saying something that you disagree with, make sure you are listening to what is being said. Be patient Recognize and accept that, with limited time overall, not all comments or questions must be dealt with right away. Be willing to let some things go. Pick the issues you think are most important. Over time, it is likely that the important things will get dealt with. Own your views Make "I" statements rather than broad, global statements that imply you know the truth or that something "is obvious." Saying "everyone knows that is ridiculous" is unhelpful. Saying, "I really disagree with what you just said," is more honest and may be more accurate. If others do share your views, it will be clear there is a shared perspective on an issue. If it turns out your view is not shared by others, you may then open yourself to new viewpoints or solutions. Be willing to edit what you say Saying anything and everything you feel under the guise of honesty can simply be a license to attack. Deliver your points with tact and respect. Appropriate editing of your message will make you more likely to be heard. It will also reduce the chances that other people will get defensive.

— from True North (Ethics, Integrity, Truth, Values)

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