Clear rules determine the success of every workshop
Rules are part of every workshop. They clarify how the participants want to deal with each other and with disruptions. They therefore make a decisive contribution to avoiding conflict. For this reason, one of the most important tasks of facilitators is to agree rules with the participants before each workshop. The best way to do this is for the group to draw up the rules themselves. The rules are recorded on a list and, if possible, signed by everyone.
If it is not possible to work out the rules in the group due to time constraints, the rules poster is a good alternative. It contains the most important rules for successful work using the moderation method. Of course, the group should also decide which rules it wants to adopt and which not.
Rule no. 1: Everyone is jointly responsible for achieving the goal.
The first rule is also the most important: all participants take responsibility for the process, the goal, the participants, their well-being and themselves.
Rule no. 2: Conflicts and opposing opinions are marked with an arrow.
The "conflict arrow" is a good way to quickly make criticism and any conflicts that arise transparent. If someone wants to criticize a contribution to a discussion (for whatever reason), the person concerned can do so with an arrow on the contribution. The arrow indicates that they do not agree with the contribution - without the need for a long and detailed discussion.Rule no. 3: Approval and particular enthusiasm are indicated.
The heart symbol is particularly well suited to visualizing agreement and enthusiasm. As with the conflict arrow, the moderator talks to the group about the evaluation.
Rule no. 4: All statements are visualized.
All important statements must be recorded in writing so that all participants can understand what has been said. This means that even frequent speakers must limit themselves to key statements.
Rule no. 5: The elimination of disruptions has priority.
If someone feels disturbed, the person concerned will mentally deal with the disturbance and no longer participate in the joint process. For this reason, all participants may eliminate or articulate disruptions at any time.
Rule no. 6: Conflicts are discussed.
If a conflict situation is affecting the working atmosphere, the situation must be addressed. For example, with a flashlight and a group dynamics exercise.
a. All participants formulate how they experience the situation in a short statement. The facilitator makes sure that the statements do not contain any judgment.
b. In a second step, all participants formulate two statements: "This is what I wish for now". And: "This is what I suggest now".
Rule no. 7: Everyone keeps order.
Everyone ensures that the group is in working order at all times.
