The Rules

As elementary as they may seem, rules are important in conflict resolution practices, and in everyone’s best interest. They allow for solid expectations, adherence to the process, and in effect, greater efficiency and increased chance of positive outcomes. The rules below are merely a starting point—as each facilitation session will be customized to your unique needs, feel free to add, remove, modify, or comment, and we will create a set that works for you. The facilitation may begin once all participant have agreed upon a set of rules, signed, and delivered the form, and no sooner. 

• We will speak with compassion and listen with resilience, staying committed to the conversation even when we hear something that is hard to hear.

• We will honor suggested time frames so that all voices can be heard.

• We agree that what we share within the context of the conversation is confidential, honored, and respected.

• We will resist the urge to debate, persuade, or interrupt.

• We will speak for ourselves and from our own experiences and avoid over-generalizations.

• We will avoid making grand pronouncements or speeches.

• We will listen with curiosity and with willingness to learn and grow.

• We will speak for ourselves and not piggyback on what others say.

• We will “pass” or “pass for now” if not ready or willing to respond to a question, with no explanation required.