Guidelines for Good Discussions in Casual Groups

Description: Ten simple guidelines to create conditions for good discussion in casual groups. Easy to read, easy to understand. Sure to improve your discussions.

Details: Many of our groups spend more time than they would like in discussion. Seeking consensus, people sometimes end up feeling that their time has been wasted and that little progress has been made. These guidelines offer a simple and effective way to increase the impact of your discussions and use everyone's time to best effect.

The guidelines apply to groups which are voluntary associations in which each member has equal standing and one vote. They are not designed for the workplace or for accountability hierarchies like the military or the judiciary.

This simple list of careful guidelines can have far-reaching positive consequences.

If your casual group would like to ensure best practices in other areas outside discussion, please see our Mastery Lesson "Bare-Bones Board Rules." If your group uses Robert's Rules of Order, our Mastery Lesson "Small Board Standing Rules" may be the most appropriate guide.

Length: 3 pages.