Healthy Group Dynamics

Because one of top three reasons sustainability efforts fail is because of group dynamics, like people being frustrated, poor communication, and unconscious ways of working together….
Here’s a list that we can add to as we root and rise and root and rise!

1. Gather in a circle, where all energies are equal. Honor all new members as family. Help invite them into a safe space.
2. Find an opening and closing activity that binds the group, allows laughter, movement or some other creative experience.
3. Choose a facilitator for each gathering and a recorder, scribe, or note taker.
4. All ideas and visions are valid and perfect in the moment.
5. ???? Ask Questions??? Invite collaboration, co-creation, and participation.
6. Rather than telling, or demanding, “Use the Inquiry” and our energy is inviting, and invokes critical thinking and creativity
7. Allow space for each person’s unique contribution
8. Take a deep breath before sharing, remembering that we all think and process as different speeds
9. Notice open and closed body language, relax, breathe, and use eye contact
10. When listening, use empathy and compassion. Try to truly listen, rather than thinking about what you will say next.
11. Keep an open mind and resist judgements and making assumptions. Each of us functions and makes decisions based on different perspectives of what’s right and wrong in the world. Honor new perspectives just as you honor yours.
12. When sharing an idea, instead of using BUT !….. use, Yes……and……
13. Seek clarity in thoughtful, slower statements with less words. And be aware of how much of the floor’s time you are holding.
14. See each person as a student and a teacher.
15. The “right” people are those who came to participate in the moment
16. The perceived problem is the solution.
17. If two people are butting heads, kindly take the dialogue outside the room until settled.