Schwarz's Ground Rules - HandsOnGuide

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Schwarz's Ground Rules

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Contents
1 Description 2 Discussion 3 Schwarz's Ground Rules 4 Using the Ground Rules 5 References

Description
We all intuitively know whether behaviours in a group setting are productive, even if we can't exactly say how people are contributing to, or contaminating, the group's outcomes. Roger Schwarz has defined 9 Ground Rules that can be used to: diagnose why a group may not be achieving guide our behaviour in groups - model them to show other members of the group how to do the same, and intervene when people aren't acting effectively and remind people to use the ground rules learn together and develop group norms - when a group understands and commits to using these ground rules, new expectations for the group develop. This enables the group to share responsibility for improving.

Discussion
Some ground rules for groups focus on procedural matters like start and end on time or turn off mobile phones but they don't help groups understand what makes a productive conversation. Other ground rules are too abstract to really help, eg. show respect or be constructive, which still leaves a lot of room for difference on what show respect actually looks like. These nine ground rules are designed to grow the effectiveness of any group (including groups of two!).

Schwarz's Ground Rules

1. Test assumptions and inferences 2. Share all relevant information Disagree openly with any member of the group All members are expected to participate in all phases of the process Exchange relevant information with non-group members Do self-critiques

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3. Use specific examples and agree on what important words mean 4. Explain your reasoning and intent Explain the reasons behind your statements, questions, and actions Do not take cheap shots or otherwise distract the group (The cheap shots are a specific way in which people make comments without explaining reasoning or intent.) 5. Focus on interests, not positions 6. Combine advocacy and inquiry Make statements, then invite questions and comments. (Schwarz uses Chris Argyriss language to reflect the spirit of the ground rule) 7. Jointly design next steps and ways to test disagreements Jointly design ways to test disagreements and solutions]] Keep the discussion focused (Keeping the discussion focused is one example of jointly designing the next steps in the conversation) 8. Discuss undiscussable issues 9. Use a decision-making rule that generates the level of commitment needed Make decisions by consensus Consensus is typically required for decisions that need internal commitment from the group, but not all decisions require internal commitment. The new ground rule emphasizes the match between the decision-making rule and the level of commitment needed.

Using the Ground Rules

While it may feel awkward when you begin using these ground rules, experience not only brings understanding and skill, it also helps you to find your own voice and language for using them. Managing risks and concerns are an important part of the process of learning to use them.

References
Schwarz, Roger. The Skilled Facilitator: a comprehensive resource for consultants, facilitators, managers, trainers, and coaches. Jossey-Bass. San Francisco 2002. Argyris, C. Reasoning, Learning, and Action. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1982. Argyris, C., and Schon, D. A. Theory in Practice: Increasing Professional Effectiveness. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1974. Fisher, R. Ury, W., and Patton, B. Getting to Yes: Negotiating Without Giving In. New York: Penguin, 1991. Retrieved from "http://www.biigtoolkit.qld.gov.au/index.php/Schwarz%27s_Ground_Rules"

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