If you're going to be changing the world, chances are you aren't going to be doing it alone - and there will probably be more than a few meetings involved. Change can be a contentious process, and in order not to let conflict get in the way of progress, it helps to lay down some ground rules.
Here's a few examples of rules that can set the scene for an effective meeting:
- No sidetalking or interruption
- Respect each other
- Speak personally - use "I" statements
- Along with the right to speak goes the responsibility to listen
- If you can't say it here, you can't say it anywhere
- Be open and honest
- Have fun - laughter is good
- Look for the best in each other
- Know the process is imperfect - we probably won't achieve all things for all people
Remember conflict is not a bad thing, its how it is managed that makes the difference between it being destructive or productive. How do you manage conflict in your efforts to change the world?
