You may be afraid that people will disagree, which is why many people use “basic rules.” Ironically, and unsurprisingly, the presentation of rules can trigger exactly the behavior of the people we are afraid of because this idea is unconsciously spreading throughout the group. Trust the group! For groups working together over a long period of time, it may be worth spending a little more time developing a longer-term group agreement. You can use a process like the one described below. Although the time of a group agreement sometimes seems a little frustrating, you gain that time later. This makes your event much more fluid. The first group is not the only time you talk about agreements, and it is good practice to expect agreements to be broken and prepare for those discussions. In more chaotic situations (larger classes, a lot of interruption, etc.), you may need to activate the chords in one or more groups. It is best to consider yourself as a living organism that can be sensitized at any time. That`s why I insist on the group replay technique when I present chords for the first time, because it`s a great way to reset a lot of energy and put the group in a calm state where we can remind them of the chords. Apprenticeship contracts differ slightly from the group agreement.

While the group agreement focuses on a group`s behaviour during meetings or workshops, a learning contract identifies what they need to have the best learning environment. 3. Put-ups, non-put-downs – aims to eliminate behaviors that may offend, mock, minimize or attack others in the group or themselves. Belittleing might sound like, “Well, it probably doesn`t matter, but… or “It may sound stupid, but… If you have the luxury, it is best to represent these agreements at your first group meeting. I know for some of you in the classroom that time may have already passed and in such cases it is normal to enter into attendance agreements later in the school year, just expect some resistance (see the article on resistance that is coming soon!). For example, in mindfulness`s substance abuse curriculum, which I helped develop, we spend most of the first session discussing group agreements. As a result, I have the opportunity to use these agreements during the 12 meetings, which leads to a more confident and closed group.

Keep the agreement for use in future meetings or workshops with the same group, but register each time to make sure everyone is always satisfied. You can, for example, add something to the agreement. As I mentioned above, I am not a fan of the term “group rules.” When I present agreements to a group for the first time, I often ask, “What is the difference between rules and agreements?” This is what young people say in one version or another: “If you break a rule, you will be punished.” “That`s true. And if you go beyond the limits of an agreement, it`s more like a conversation. I thought we agreed. Do you still agree? I`d answer. You could … By questioning what a person is saying and not attacking that person. This allows for thoughtful discussions and healthy debates… People are generally fairly reasonable and will be happy with a number of group standards if the process is open and transparent. The effects on group behaviour and the resulting group effectiveness can be very significant.

Category : Uncategorized