Group Norms
Why do it? Establishing group norms is a 10- to 15-minute investment in the creation of clear, agreed-upon behavior for how a group will engage with one another, resulting in a more engaged and effective group.
Time: 10 -15 minutes
Group or Individual: Group Activity
Overview
Everyone comes into group spaces with their own set of experiences, values, expectations, and perspectives that impact how they think, react, and behave. A deliberate discussion about what the group expects from themselves and one another can help to build trust, work together toward the goal of the session, and hold one another accountable. Norms should be flexible touchstones that guide and remind participants of agreed upon behavior for the group. There should not be too many, and they should not be too rigid.
Directions
Note: you may also consider using the Think-Pair-Share strategy with this activity.
- On a large surface create a board with three columns: Worst, Best, and Group Norms.
- Begin with the "Worst" column.
- Ask the group to recall the worst groups or discussions (modify this to fit the learning experience) they have ever been a part of and to spend a moment listing what made that experience terrible, either on paper or on sticky notes.
- Ask for participants to share and/or place their sticky notes in the "Worst" column.
- Identify commonalities.
- Move to the "Best" column.
- Ask the group to recall the best groups or discussions (modify this to fit the learning experience) they have ever been a part of and to spend a moment listing what made that experience great, either on paper or on sticky notes.
- Ask for participants to share and/or place their sticky notes in the "Best" column.
- Identify commonalities.
- Move to the "Group Norms" column.
- Ask the group to consider the previous conversations and to offer suggestions for group norms.
- Make a list without saying no or discussing any of them as they are shared.
- Once suggestions have slowed, discuss each suggestion briefly to ensure there is a shared understanding of meaning, clarify language, and modify as needed so the norms listed read as intended.
- Explain throughout the session that it is ok to pause to ask questions and add or alter norms.
Tip: These should feel like group expectations that participants can use to self-manage. The onus should not be on the instructor or facilitator.
- At the end, revisit the list in totality by asking:
- "Do we still agree on everything listed here?"
- "Would we like to make any revisions?"
Note: In subsequent group meetings, revisit a couple of the norms, calling out something that relates to the upcoming conversation and model how you might remind someone of a norm. For example, you might say: In our conversations today, think about when to step up to add your thoughts and when to step back to allow other voices in the conversation.
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Examples of Norms
- Listen intently to what is said, to understand instead of to respond.
- There is no such thing as a stupid question.
- Use "I" statements instead of "you" statements for more effective communication.
- Sample "I" statement: "I feel frustrated when my feelings aren't acknowledged."
- Avoid statements like: "You don't care about my feelings."
Note: In a virtual space? No worries. Use a virtual whiteboard, slides, or a simple shared document to facilitate and gather ideas.