Training Manual > 10 - Groups > Ground Rules
Suggested Ground Rules
The following ground rules may be utilized in the group context. Ground Rules
You will have a full and equal opportunity to speak up on every issue presented for discussion - there is no need to rush or interrupt.
You are encouraged to ask genuine "questions of clarification." Please avoid asking "questions of attack."
Use each other's first names, not the pronouns "he" or "she."
Speak for yourself only.
You agree to work for your perceived most constructive and fairest agreement.
Appeals and attempts to convince should be made to each other and not to the mediator.
If something is not working for you, speak up.
Try to avoid establishing hard positions, expressing yourself instead in terms of your personal interests, positive intentions, and the outcomes you would like to create. It is critical that the mediator not impose any such ground rules. Rather, the mediator can offer the suggested ground rules as "process agreements that seem to have worked for other somewhat similar groups." The mediator is advised to encourage participants to question, modify, eliminate and add process agreements of their own. It is helpful to begin mediation discussions with parties being able to practice their agreement-reaching skills on process issues, rather than the substantive issues they almost certainly have strong beliefs about and emotions behind.
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