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1 <br /> GUIDELINES FOR PRODUCTIVE MEETINGS <br /> The following ground rules have helped make meetings more productive: <br /> 1. Participate fully. It's alright to disagree. Everyone should have the opportunity to <br /> state his or her own views, regardless of rank or other differences. <br /> 2. Work on the problem. Put other issues aside, including personalities, offices, or other <br /> differences. Show respect for each other. <br /> 3. Focus on interests, not positions. Explain why you favor a particular course of action. <br /> Invite questions so you can explain your reasons fully. Balance advocacy and inquiry. <br /> 4. Share all relevant information. Be specific. Agree on what important words mean. <br /> Discuss "undiscussable" issues. <br /> 5. Stay focused. Discuss a topic long enough for everybody to be clear about it. <br /> 6. Decide how the group will make decisions. Strive for consensus. <br /> Adapted from The Skilled Facilitator: Practical Wisdom for Developing Effective Groups by Roger Schwarz. <br />