HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 01-31-2014 - a MEMORANDUM
TO: Orange County Board of Commissioners
Michael Talbert, Interim County Manager
FROM:Qj Rod Visser, Facilitator
SUBJECT: Proposed Ground Rules for January 31, 2014 Retreat
DATE: January 23, 2014
1 recommend that the Board of Commissioners plan to conduct its January 31, 2014
retreat while observing a set of"Ground Rules for Effective Groups" developed and
articulated by Roger Schwarz. I was first exposed to this systemic approach to
improved group process in 1994 while attending a course at the Institute of Government
taught by Roger and a number of his colleagues on the faculty at the Institute. I have
found these ground rules to be highly useful throughout both my professional and
personal life.
The following ground rules (which Roger has revised and consolidated over the years),
and the core values underlying those ground rules, are adapted from: The Skilled
Facilitator. A Comprehensive Resource for Consultants, Facilitators, Managers,
Trainers, and Coaches, New and Revised Edition by Roger Schwarz, Jossey-Bass
Publishers, 2002.
Core Values Underlying Ground Rules
• valid information
• free and informed choice
• internal commitment
• compassion
Ground Rules for Effective Groups
1. Test assumptions and inferences.
2. Share all relevant information.
3. Use specific examples, and agree on what important words mean.
4. Explain your reasoning and intent.
5. Focus on interests, not positions.
6. Combine advocacy and inquiry.
7. Jointly design steps and ways to test disagreements.
8. Discuss undiscussable issues.
9. Use a decision-making rule that generates the level of commitment needed.
For those with the time and inclination, you can learn more about the core values,
ground rules, and the general facilitation approach I try to use at the following website:
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cc: Donna Baker, Greg Wilder