Tips for Better Group Meetings and Decision Making

Good Group Tips: Practical Ideas To Improve Group Decision Making | Craig Freshley

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100 Good Group Videos Craig Freshley makes short videos to help groups have better meetings, improve communication, and boost productivity. When Craig made his 100th video we made this fun little montage to celebrate the milestone! This video has captions. To see them, click CC on the video screen. Which video is best for your group? Did you ...read more

A Complete Listener In this video about inclusive conversations, Craig invites two workshop participants to explain what it means to be “a complete listener”.

A Culture of Listening In this video Craig shares highlights from an essay about civic dialogue and collaboration among people with different histories, values, and interests.

A problem defined is half-solved In this video Craig explains why taking time and energy to define a problem can lead to a more efficient solution and better decision making.

A way to say no In this tip Craig empathizes with how hard saying no can be, but explains why it's an essential skill and offers practical advice on how to do so.

A way to talk In this tip Craig advises that creating conflict or calling for systemic changes because of one's own personal issues is inefficient - and in some cases, selfish. Craig suggests a practical alternative.

About Craig’s Newsletter Did you notice I changed the name? This newsletter used to be mostly about my work. Now it’s mostly about me. Haha. No really. In future editions you’re going to find stories from all walks of my life, not just my work. Think: not-so-much a newsletter from a consulting company, but ideas and stories from ...read more

Accountability In this tip Craig explains how accountability done right is helpful, but done wrong causes resentment, and he offers practical advice for managing accountability in your group.

Accountability In this handout Craig explains accountability dynamics in groups and offers a five-step process to address accountability issues.

Act as if In this tip Craig encourages us to stick with the process of good group decision making, even though we're not perfect at it, and explains the benefits.

Action precedes understanding In this video Craig challenges the notion that we need to fully understand something before acting on it. Sometimes it's through action that understanding emerges. Craig explains in the video.

Adapt, migrate, or perish In this tip about team emotional intelligence Craig outlines our three choices when we don't like the way things are - adapt, migrate, or perish - and explains the implications of each for our group.

Admit mistakes In this tip about team emotional intelligence Craig explains how admitting mistakes is a freeing act of empowerment, for ourselves and for our group.

Advice In this tip about team emotional intelligence Craig reminds us that advice works best when solicited and unconditional. What does "solicited and unconditional" look like? Craig explains in the tip.

Affirm to get along In this video Craig explains a simple trick to build credibility and strengthen relations with others.

Agenda and Meeting Tips In this one-page handout Craig offers a quick overview of principles to help your group design an agenda and run an effective, inclusive meeting.

Agenda setting access In this tip about group process and practice, Craig explains why - and how - every group member should understand the agenda-setting process and have access to it.

Agendas should have times In this video about group process and practice, Craig explains three reasons why agenda items should have times assigned.

Agendas with end times are efficient In this video Craig reveals why he always puts a meeting end time on the agenda. Bonus: A glimpse of a room that Craig has set up for a professionally facilitated meeting.

Agreements stand until changed In this tip about group process and practice, Craig explains how inefficiency and frustration can develop when groups depart from agreed practices - without changing the agreements - and he offers practical advice for this situation.

Align purpose, technique, attitude In this video Craig tells a story about frustrated participants in a meeting and explains how important it is to align meeting purpose, facilitation techniques, and participant attitudes.

Alignment between words and deeds builds trust In this video Craig analyzes why it is so important to align words with deeds to build trust, and offers solutions to help avoid conflict.

All in In this video Craig explains two principles for successful group process: formal full commitment to participation, and formal votes bookending the process.

Alternative solutions In this tip about group process and practice, Craig encourages us to pose alternative solutions - even when we think we have the right answer. Why? Craig explains in the tip.

Angus King Goes to Washington Angus King was just sworn into the United States Senate. Yeah Angus! He served as Maine’s Governor for 8 years and he is a fellow resident of Brunswick, Maine. He told Tom Brokaw of NBC news while strolling around Brunswick — just Angus, Mary and Tom strolling the streets — that he hoped to go ...read more

Answer the question In this tip about group process and practice, Craig explains that lengthy, information-packed responses to questions can interfere with efficiency, and he offers advice for effectively asking and answering questions in a group.

Are you listening? Four levels of proof In this video about team emotional intelligence, Craig outlines four ways to prove that you are listening (or not).

Art In this tip about group process and practice, Craig advocates for bringing artistic influences into group decision making, and he explains the practical benefits.

Ask, don’t tell In this tip about inclusive conversations, Craig outlines the practical risks of telling a peer what to do without first asking their opinion.

Assumptions lead to trouble In this tip Craig reviews three ways of knowing and offers practical advice to avoid damage from false assumptions.

At home and in families In this tip Craig encourages us to each take personal responsibility for collaborative decision making - whether at home, in families, in communities, or at work - and gives examples of what this looks like.

At least two ways In this tip about collaboration Craig offers a perspective to help us reframe problems as misalignments, thereby opening up more possible solutions. Craig explains in the tip.

Attribution Bias In this video Craig cautions how our biases can prevent us from making good group decisions.

Available In this tip Craig encourages us to leave a little excess capacity for the unexpected and explains how we might do that in our groups.

Before and After In this video about group process and practice, Craig reviews the steps to take before and after a meeting to encourage successful outcomes.

Best solutions begin with self In this tip about collaboration Craig explains why it's so inefficient to ask groups to change before first examining our own attitudes and roles.

Best we could with what we had In this tip Craig explains how to keep group decision making momentum, despite being tempted to delay progress in the name of perfection.

Brake in advance In this tip about group process and practice, Craig provides practical guidance on how to wrap up or transition a group's discussion, especially when the group is fired up.

Bring you In this video Craig tells and ancient story and encourages each of us to "be ourselves."

Business Cards Rock! In this video Craig emphasizes the value of in-person conversations and argues that exchanging business cards improves conversation.

Carrots are better than sticks In this tip about team emotional intelligence Craig encourages us to motivate our team with a compelling vision and gives examples of how to do so.

Categorical Judgment In this video Craig explains why we make categorical judgments and warns us about how they can impede good group decision making.

Causes of conflict, and cures In this tip Craig describes three causes of conflict - misunderstanding, differing values, and outside issues - and outlines ways to resolve each.

Chairs in a circle In this video Craig gives a tour of a special meeting room setup and explains how it will help support the group through a difficult conversation.

Change or accept In the tip Craig offers a practical step-by-step approach to resolve conflict by deciding what to change and what to accept.

Change to stay the same In this tip Craig describes how "staying the same" - i.e. "maintaining" - in group decision making can actually require a very dynamic approach, and illustrates with examples.

Changing the process is rarely the solution In this tip Craig outlines three key ingredients of good group decision making - process, attitude, action - and cautions against adjusting the process as a first step. Why? Craig explains in the tip.

Characteristics of Good Meeting Facilitators In this handout Craig discusses six characteristics that help facilitators be good at what they do.

Characteristics of High Functioning Groups In this one-page handout about group process and practice, Craig provides a quick overview of nine key characteristics of productive, inclusive, efficient groups.

Cheap fiction or great literature? Are your meetings more like cheap fiction or great literature? In this video Craig offers an analogy to help you consider what energy and attitudes to bring to your meetings.

Choices are never perfect, choose anyway In this video Craig explains that being faced with poor choices is not an excuse for not making one, and how it';s okay to make a choice even between poor choices.

Citizen Democracy In this video Craig explains the paramount role of "citizen" in a democracy, and how the politicians actually work for "us."

Clarify, discuss, decide In this tip about group process and practice, Craig describes three specific steps to help lay the foundation for good group decision making.

Closing comments In this tip about group process and practice, Craig explains why it's so important to provide space for closing comments at the end of a meeting, and offers practical guidance on how.

Coalition membership In this tip Craig explains what makes a coalition and when it's okay to adjust coalition membership by adding or removing parties.

Come to the meeting! In this video, inspired by roadside signs he's passing by, Craig explains why broad participation helps community groups reach peaceful solutions.

Committees In this tip Craig offers practical advice on when and how to establish sub-groups, working groups, or committees, and how to manage them effectively.

Conflict Mediation Basics In this one-page handout Craig provides a quick overview of the conditions for successful mediation and the role of the mediator.

Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution In this five-page handout Craig discusses three types of disagreement and outlines a six-step process for addressing conflict.

Conflict resolution steps In this tip about team emotional intelligence Craig outlines six specific steps to resolve tension or conflict in a group.

Connect with a higher purpose In this video, Craig shares a parable about how having a higher purpose can inspire an organization and each of its people.

Connect with your mission In this video, Craig encourages board members to connect with the mission of their organization by getting out and seeing the work first-hand.

Connections In this tip about team emotional intelligence Craig explains the value of connections in our group and suggests areas of focus in order to maintain strong groups.

Consensus at the core In this tip Craig explains how consensus at the core can greatly improve group trust and efficiency and provides practical advice on achieving it.

Consensus Decision Making Steps In this two-page handout Craig describes the general flow and specific steps in a consensus decision making process. He also provides additional detail on addressing a block and allowing previous decisions to stand.

Consensus doesn’t mean casual In this tip about group process and practice, Craig cautions that using consensus decision making does not excuse a group from having structure and protocol. Craig explains why in the tip.

Consensus for endurance In this tip about group process and practice, Craig explains the circumstances that warrant the time and effort of consensus decision making.

Contain disagreement In this tip Craig describes how to prevent conflict in team dynamics by being careful where to direct disagreements.

Craig’s Ground Rules for Conflict Resolution In this video Craig demonstrates a script for introducing ground rules at the start of a meeting. If you've ever wondered how to set the tone for good group process, this video is for you.

Craig, you’re a Quaker? What’s that? Yes, I’m a Quaker.

Here’s what it means. Especially these days, especially in New England, it seems out of favor to talk about religion. Or to not have one.

I’m often apologetic. “Well, Quakerism is about the most easy-going, liberal, non-conformist religion there is,” I find myself saying.

Credit the group In this tip Craig explains the benefits of crediting the group rather assigning blame or praise to individuals.

Criticism private In this tip about team emotional intelligence Craig encourages us to think carefully about when and where to give criticism, and explains the implications.

Decide how to decide In this tip about group process and practice, Craig offers a solution for groups that are stuck and can't make a decision: decide how to decide. The tip gives specific examples of what this might look like.

Decision method right-sized In this tip about group process and practice, Craig cautions us not to use the same decision method for all decisions. He explains various decision making options and explores effort vs. impact.

Declaration of Interdependence Philadelphia is the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. And it is a national emblem for free speech. Yet here in Philadelphia at the annual convention of the National Speakers Association this week they had a contest for people to write a Declaration of Interdependence. And I won! Here’s what ...read more

Define the edges Using a circle as a metaphor, in this tip Craig explains how valuable it is for a group to know its center as well as its edges, and he describes how to define the edges.

Democracy Reforms Being Debated in Washington Our Congress is currently debating HR 1, For the People Act. Advocates say the bill is the most consequential piece of voting legislation since the Voting Rights Act of 1965. I’m all for it. In my opinion it will strengthen our democracy in critical ways. It will help us get along with each other better, ...read more

Demonstrate listening In this tip Craig describes how to demonstrate listening by showing that you are paying attention and checking for accuracy.

Detachment In this tip Craig discusses the difference between right-sized determination and unwavering attachment. He offers practical advice for groups wrestling with damaging attachments.

Determination Inspired by alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin, Craig explains the incredible power of visualizing end results and encourages groups to invest in defining their vision.

Difference between launch and land In this tip Craig discusses differences between what is said by a speaker and what is heard by a listener. He offers practical advice for groups wrestling with miscommunication.

Different views In this tip Craig explains the practical benefits of deliberately welcoming and incorporating diverse viewpoints in a group.

Different views. Same flag. I fly this flag because, well, I love how it looks on this old New England farmhouse. And, to show that I believe in our country more than I believe in my party or other ideals. Political parties and politicians represent thought trends; popular thinking. Yet strong countries and constitutions weather such trends and hold ...read more

Direct communication In this tip Craig offers practical advice to groups seeking to base their decisions on true understanding.

Direction more important than pace In this tip Craig describes groups' high need for fast achievement and offers practical advice to help prevent charging off in the wrong direction.

Discipline In this tip about group process and practice, Craig breaks the concept of discipline into three distinct steps and explains how discipline can help groups achieve their goals, joyfully.

Do Stuff Together In my world, “how to bridge divides” is the question of the day. One answer: don’t even try. Go around. Bridge closed; seek alternate route. Find other ways to connect. In her book High Conflict, Amanda Ripley explains “the magic ratio” of 5:1. It takes five positive interactions to prevent or overcome one bad interaction. ...read more

Do what you say In this tip about collaboration Craig explains how actions are connected to trust and offers some practical cautions about over-promising.

Do What’s Light In this video Craig explains the benefits of having a positive attitude.

Doin’ Good In this video Craig explains how actually doing good things can make you feel better.

Don’t just do something, sit there! In this tip Craig encourages individuals and groups to resist the impulse to act quickly, if it's not absolutely necessary. Craig explains why in the tip.

Don’t leave me hanging! – Advice for e-communication In this video Craig highlights the downsides of ghosting someone in the middle of a conversation.

Double-check your decision In this video, Craig explains a simple technique to make sure everyone has shared understanding of a group decision.

Earth community Speaking of the Earth both literally and metaphorically, in this tip Craig encourages groups to consider impact of decisions on other groups and over time. How big is your group's circle of concern?

Empathy and Respect In this video, Craig explains why empathy and respect are so important for inclusive conversations, especially difficult conversations with potential adversaries.

Encourage volunteerism In this video about collaboration, Craig explains three key ingredients for getting and keeping volunteers.

Enforcement In this tip about group process and practice, Craig describes the hazards of decisions without enforcement and offers three practical steps to take when someone in your group is breaking rules.

Everyone’s job is no one’s job In this video, Craig shares a tip to improve collaboration and help groups effectively carry out their work.

Face-to-face is still the best In this video Craig argues for the value of face-to-face conversations when you want to make good group decisions.

Facilitation In this tip Craig describes the critical benefits of neutral facilitation for good group process, whether by a paid expert or a skilled volunteer.

Failure In this tip Craig introduces the perhaps provocative notion that failure IS an option. What might this look like for groups? Craig explains in the tip.

Fast or Good? In this video, Craig reveals three reasons we are driven to make fast group decisions but explains why fast is not always best.

Feedback & Performance Evaluation In this one-page handout Craig provides guidance on when to offer feedback, how to structure feedback, and a four-step process to handle criticism.

Feedback is a gift In this video about team emotional intelligence, Craig discusses how leaders (and others) can harness the power of feedback.

Feedback please In this tip Craig explains the value of feedback to good group decision making, and offers practical advice for seeking, giving, and receiving feedback.

Femaleadership – Benefits of Women in Leadership In this video about group process and practice, Craig explains what he means by “femaleadership;” leadership qualities generally held by women and much needed to make a better world.

Fertile soil helps creativity In this tip Craig explains why and how to incorporate interaction and cross-pollination of ideas into meeting and communications design.

Find what makes you great Overwhelmed with gratitude for the work he is able to do and inspired by Jim Collins' Good to Great, Craig shares his magic formula for making a living from his passion, and encourages YOU to find what makes you great.

Flat for planning, stacked for doing In this tip Craig explains how different styles of decision making should be applied to different types of decisions, to optimize efficiency and relevancy. Here Craig shows how.

Foretell the sunny side In this tip about team emotional intelligence, Craig describes how foretelling negativity can contribute to negative outcomes, and offers some alternatives. Bonus: check out the comments section for a great story of this concept in action.

Free from past In this tip Craig offers advice for groups feeling burdened by the past while trying to make forward-looking decisions.

Freedom of speech In this tip Craig explains why and how to encourage open sharing of all points of view, and offers cautions about what happens when we don't.

From Online to In Person People are responding in different ways to the changes afoot. Our federal government is changing. The climate is changing. Technology is changing. Many of us are not sure how to react, or who we’re supposed to be in this unsettling world. My reaction is to do more in person and less online. More in-person gatherings. ...read more

Get a second In this tip about group process and practice, Craig explains the principle behind getting a second, as in "Is there a second for the motion?" And he offers practical advice on how to seek buy-in.

Good deeds and Mr. Goodbars In this video Craig invites his friend Charlotte to tell a story about conflict management. It's a small conflict with a big lesson for groups of all sizes. Craig - and Charlotte! - explain in the video.

Good Group Tips and Bob Dylan Lyrics Since 2004 I have written and emailed 163 Good Group Tips to subscribers. Each one is a page. They are on all aspects of group dynamics. You can read them all here. Did you know that each Good Group Tip has a Bob Dylan lyric to go with it? Every Tuesday morning my friend Brian ...read more

Good Group Tips in the Jury Room In this video Craig interviews Henry Chance who had recently used Craig's Good Group Tips during jury duty. This video is packed with practical advice and real-life examples of applying good group decision making principles.

Good in everyone In this tip Craig explains the practical benefits of relentlessly seeking out the best in every person.

Good information compels In this tip Craig describes three ways to influence choices - regulate, incentive, compel - and explains the value of compelling with good, truthful information.

Good Meeting Guidelines In this video Craig spontaneously interviews a nonprofit director about the "Good Meeting Guidelines" posted in her headquarters. Why did they develop these guidelines? What's it like to use them daily? This video explains.

Google Docs for Group Reports In this video - shot live during a meeting - Craig shows us how each table is using Google Docs to capture the ideas from their small group discussions. He also shows the instruction slide they are following. This video offers a glimpse of a very efficient group process technique.

Gratitude In this tip Craig reflects on discontent and explains how gratitude can help bring peaceful resolution.

Ground rules In this tip about group process and practice, Craig explains the value of ground rules for meetings and describes how to use them regularly.

Ground Rules In this four-page handout about group process and practice, Craig discusses the purpose of ground rules and provides dozens of sample ground rules covering individual attitudes and actions as well as collective group processes.

Group Decision Making Steps In this one-page handout Craig provides an overview of seven steps for group decision making, including detailed guidance for the step called "create".

Group Decision Method – When to Apply Which Method In this one-page handout Craig provides a simple chart for group decision making showing when to make decisions by consensus, majority-rule, or one-decider.

Group Decision Methods – from Dictatorship to Consensus In this one-page handout Craig provides a simple illustration of three types of group decision making: consensus, majority-rule, or one-decider.

Hands off In this tip Craig discusses why it's sometimes more effective to be "hands-off" than it is to be "hands on", and offers some practical suggestions for group leaders.

Happy Summer in Maine! Some folks have a boat. Some folks have a camp. I have a barn. I spend my vacation money at the lumber yard! I love it actually. Carpentry is such a nice change of pace for me. A different kind of thinking. In the first photo is the week-one-crew: Ezra and Porter just starting their ...read more

Head, heart, and hands In this tip about group process and practice, Craig describes how incorporating a variety of approaches can lead to the most creative group decisions.

Heads up In this tip about group process and practice, Craig describes the value of advance notice for impending decisions and gives a few examples of how to do this, well in advance or on the spot.

Hear, hear In this tip about team emotional intelligence, Craig describes a culture of quick and visible agreement and explains how efficient it can be for decision making.

Helping others. For fun. What makes me smile looking back on my day? It’s not the $5 I spent on a that new thing, or the $5 I saved with that special coupon; it’s the $5 that I gave to Tom the bottle guy. (Here in Maine we have a bottle law so people collect empties for money). When ...read more

Here’s What I Heard In this video Craig shows an audience how to convert confrontational statements into invitations for productive discussions. The magic words are "Here's what I heard". Craig explains in the video.

Hey! Young Person! Yeah you! I am trying to get this to as many young people as possible, not to be a jerk but to make a point. Here’s the point. If you don’t vote you have no business complaining about the government. In the last presidential election, just 49% of 18-24 year-olds voted. That’s pretty bad. This is your ...read more

High ground In this tip Craig offers advice for groups trying to see the "big picture" as they establish plans and policies.

High School Facilitator In this video Craig interviews Chloe, a high school senior practicing good group process skills. This video is packed with inspiration and practical tips for anyone exploring meeting facilitation.

Hot hand In this tip Craig suggests a strategy for group success based on honoring individuals' strengths in the moment.

How I Wrote Together We Decide, with Discussion After my book was published – Together We Decide, An Essential Guide for Making Good Group Decisions – I hosted a free online Webinar to explain how I wrote the book and to take questions from viewers. If you want to focus on the little history of how I wrote the book, that begins at ...read more

How to build community – Food! With a potluck lunch in the background, in this video Craig reminds us how socializing - and perhaps even breaking bread together - can help your group make good group decisions.

How to call on people In this video about inclusive conversations, Craig reminds us that there are alternatives to calling on people in the order that they raise their hands. Watch to learn about three different strategies.

How to decide what you don’t decide In this video about group decision making, Craig explains a strategy for handling future decisions that can't be resolved by the end of a meeting.

How to Determine Value In this video Craig tells a little story and explains how value is often unrelated to the amount of time spent.

How to facilitate meetings – Four Essential Functions In this video about group process and practice, Craig reviews the four essential functions of good meeting facilitation - provide structure, encourage participation, reflect the group, and push the group forward - and explains what each one looks like in action.

How to Form a Committee – 5 Essentials In this video about group process and practice, Craig outlines five simple but essential steps to effectively kick off a committee's work.

How to get a group to cut down a list In this video about group process and practice, Craig reflects on how easy it is to brainstorm lists of ideas but how hard it can be to narrow them down. Want a simple technique to cut down your list? Craig explains in the video.

How to get movement in a meeting In this video Craig explains several techniques for getting people up and moving during meetings. This is especially helpful for long meetings in windowless conference rooms.

How to handle rule-breaking In this video Craig explains what to consider when you see someone break a rule, and the choices you have.

How to handle the person who talks too much As a group leader how do you manage a conversation that one person is dominating? In this video Craig explains and demonstrates a technique.

How to handle when someone walks out When someone walks out of a meeting, upset, what is your responsibility if you are the meeting leader? Craig offers one perspective in this video about group process and practice.

How to have an effective meeting – the basics In this video Craig walks us through five key ingredients for an effective meeting. Bonus: a glimpse of a meeting room and "effective meeting zone" poster at the National Geographic Society headquarters.

How to help have a great meeting – Responsibility for Attitude In this video about team emotional intelligence Craig explains this meeting guideline: "Please take responsibility for the energy you bring into this space." He reminds us that although we don't have control over everything that happens, we do have control over our own attitude, and shares several helpful attitudes we can bring into meetings.

How to make decisions in small groups – Mini-Multi-Vote In this video Craig explains specific steps for how to do a multi-vote among a group of people around a table.

How to move forward In this tip Craig offers advice for groups who are "stuck".

How to move on In this video about group process and practice, Craig explains a key technique for getting unstuck when your group is having trouble moving on.

How to NOT be invisible in meetings If you feel invisible in meetings, Craig has five tips for you: speak early, get and keep the floor, be spontaneous with confidence, avoid criticizing publicly, and build credibility. Craig explains and demonstrates in this video.

How to prevent conflict – Build Shared Understanding In this video about team emotional intelligence Craig advises that “expectations are planned resentments” and explains how to build shared understanding in order to prevent conflict.

How to show the big picture – Use a Handout In this video about group process and practice, as Craig sets up for a meeting, he explains three options for summarizing and reflecting back to a group: projector screen, flip chart, or printed handout. Here Craig explains the pros and cons of each and in particular, when to use a handout.

How to talk across our political divide In this brief essay Craig offers fundamental principles and practical advice for meaningful conversations across political divides.

How to Talk to an Adversary, with Respect In this one-page handout Craig provides five principles for talking with adversaries, including how to speak, how to listen, and what to do when stuck, angry, or dejected.

How to Untangle a Conflict In this video Craig explains a useful analogy to help groups untangle conflicts. Bonus: A glimpse of Craig's bear bag at a campsite in Northern Maine! What's a bear bag? Find out in the video.

How to Use Good Group Tips Find the One You Need The Tips are useful for all types of groups facing all types of challenges. There are so many, the first trick is to find the one you need! 1. Type some keywords about your challenge into the “Search Tips, Videos, and Handouts” box at the bottom left of every page. ...read more

How to Use Microphones for Group Interaction In this video Craig demonstrates his portable microphone & speaker system and explains how he uses it to facilitate inclusive interaction in large groups.

How Would Craig Freshley Rephrase? HWCFR: How Would Craig Freshley Rephrase? This bracelet was made by a client and provided to their staff. Very flattering! It refers to an exercise that I have done with them a few times. It’s often not helpful to say what you are really thinking. What MIGHT you like to say to someone…..but really shouldn’t? ...read more

Humility In this tip Craig discusses the incredible power of humility in group decision making.

I am the Solution In this video Craig cautions against blaming others for things not right, and the inefficiencies that can result.

I believe in us In this tip Craig discusses the one belief that has the greatest impact on group success.

I didn’t do anything wrong In this video Craig explains how releasing ourselves from a focus on credit and blame can be very freeing for our group.

I don’t know In this tip Craig explains when it's okay to say "I don't know" and how doing so can be a gift of efficiency to your group.

If it fits in my head, it’s probably too small In this tip Craig shares some practical strategies and attitudes for cultivating the best ideas from your group.

If you could have a superpower In this video, Craig - in costume at Comic Con, with help from some superheros! - demonstrates a quick, fun way to open meetings and help group members get to know each other.

If you don’t have a stake, get out of the way In this tip Craig cautions about superficial participation by those without significant stakes in the outcome and how it can cause huge inefficiency.

If your glass is half empty, get a smaller glass In this video Craig explains the value of positive thinking and the choices we have aboutr that.

In-front-of messaging In this tip Craig discusses the phenomenon of "in-front-of" messaging - messages for multiple audiences beyond the direct recipient - and he suggests some ways to respond.

In-Person for the Big Stuff Let’s just get everyone in a room and talk about it. There’s something magic about that, even in this age of magic technology that allows us to talk through screens and collaborate through platforms from places unknown. Indeed, in sharp relief to the alternatives, the in-person meeting is perhaps more magical today than ever. People ...read more

Inauguration In this tip Craig discusses the benefits of inaugurations - deliberate rituals to convey trust and hope in new leaders.

Incrementally In this tip Craig outlines the practical benefits of taking small steps to achieve big objectives.

Indifference In this tip Craig describes how an attitude of indifference can be freeing and efficient for group members. When there aren't strong feelings, don't force them. Craig explains in the tip.

Informality is cool! Or is it? Recently a Good Group Tips reader contacted me asking how to reckon with an “informality” culture in meetings.

Here’s his question and my response. Question I’m a big proponent of structure in group decision making. In my job and my community I serve in various leadership roles on committees and boards.

Information is over-rated I know it’s the information age, yet I declare that information is over-rated and that Google is a show stopper. Information in abundance seems like an unconditionally good thing, but I’m not buying it. Our knee-jerk efforts to seek and provide information often shut down conversations and cheapen relationships. Here are three examples. I was ...read more

Interest-Based Bargaining: A Creative Approach to Collective Bargaining In the middle of a meeting, Craig pauses to explain the “interest-based bargaining” method that he is using with this group of management leaders and union leaders. Watch the video to learn why this method can be so successful in difficult negotiations.

Interests rather than positions In this tip Craig describes the difference between interests and positions and explains how one enhances collaboration while the other limits it.

Intergenerational Communications – How to talk about it In this video Craig explains a method to build effective communications between colleagues of different ages. His proposed method might be a little risky but he's willing to give it a try.

Is it okay to shut someone down? In this video about group process and practice, Craig reveals three conditions in which a facilitator is justified in cutting off a participant's comments.

Is your idea worthy of group time? In this video inspired by Robert’s Rules, Craig encourages us to make sure that at least one other person in your group is willing to discuss an issue before taking up everyone’s valuable time.

It’s the planning, not the plan In this video about group process and practice, Craig explains the value of planning - even when the plan itself is not the main benefit. Planning skeptics, check this out.

Jokes and Sarcasm Reveal Character and Culture In this video about team emotional intelligence Craig explains how sarcasm and jokes can be destructive to group culture. To some it may be "just a joke" but the ramifications can run deep. Craig discusses in the video.

Just enough In this tip Craig cautions groups not to decide, say, or do more than needed, and offers practical advice to help us pace ourselves.

Keep your strategic plan off the shelf In this video Craig explains techniques for keeping your strategic plan alive. If you fear your plan will just sit on a shelf, check this out. Bonus: a glimpse of the location where Craig decided, years ago, to become a professional meeting facilitator!

Key ingredients for collaboration (it’s way more than IT) In this video Craig outlines three fundamental skills for effective collaboration. And he explains how collaboration software (like shared documents) is helpful, but only goes so far.

Kindness In this tip Craig explores how kindness contributes to good group decision making.

Know your lines In this tip about group process and practice, Craig explores the link between well-defined expectations and group efficiency and explains practical steps groups can take.

Know Your Lines In this one-page handout Craig lists an assortment of principles for group decision making, including understanding when to speak, separating substance from process, and distinguishing needs from wants.

Last minute decision making In this tip about group process and practice, Craig explores the power of "the last minute" and offers practical advice to help groups to avoid decision making regrets.

Lawn signs and bumper stickers In this tip Craig explains the value of "showing where you stand" - yes, with signs and stickers, but also in groups with two specific methods to draw out lots of information quickly.

Leaders consider multiple interests In this tip Craig outlines the list - sometimes long! - of various interests that leaders must consider, and offers practical advice and encouragement for leaders and followers alike.

Leaders hold secrets In this tip Craig recognizes all the information that good leaders protect - or reveal - in the best interests of the group, and offers practical advice for leaders and followers to help discern the right course of action.

Leadership In this tip Craig distills classic expertise on leadership into five key practices, and explains how leadership can be practiced from anywhere in the group.

Leadership is inspiring, not requiring After spotting a Stephen Covey quote, Craig shares his belief that leadership is more about inspiration than about demands or requirements.

Learn a lot fast in the room In the middle of a meeting, Craig demonstrates a technique for efficiently sharing lots of knowledge: simultaneous participant visits to "stations". Watch the video to see it in action and learn how to try it in your meetings.

Learn about somebody different In this video, from on a bike in Hawaii, Craig explains the value of learning from people who have differing perspectives from our own.

Let a small group resolve it In this video about collaboration Craig reminds us that not everyone in the group needs to be involved in solving every disagreement. Watch to learn about alternative ways to resolve group tensions.

Let people change plans In this video about group process and practice, Craig explains why "sticking to the plan" isn't always what's best for the group, and shows how his local library was open to changing plans to meet community needs.

Let things die In this tip Craig offers compassionate, practical advice for one of the hardest things groups can do: let something go.

Light hand on the tiller What does light-touch facilitation look like? In this tip about group process and practice, Craig explains how to gently provide structure for a group powered by its own momentum.

Light of God in Every Person Fully aware that there are many diverse perspectives on religion, Craig explains a Quaker principle and shares five practical, secular benefits of this way of thinking when applied to group decision making.

Listen In this tip about inclusive conversations, Craig distinguishes between "talking" and "contributing" and outlines three practical advantages of good listening.

Listen to your enemies In this video Craig applies the principles of counter-terrorism techniques to the situations we face every day: conflict at work, in communities, in families. What if we listened to our enemies rather than assuming we already know their motivations? Craig discusses in the video.

Little Free Library: SO much fun! At a time of isolation and screens, setting up a neighborhood Little Free Library has been a joy. The kids were grateful to have a project. And the parents were grateful for the kids to have a project! We ordered a kit from the nonprofit organization called Little Free Library. Step one: prime all ...read more

Long term collaboration needs special effort In this video Craig explains how takling the time to coordinate planning with other departments or organizations is a worthy investment.

Loose in the harness In this tip about group process and practice, Craig describes the benefits of balancing structure and freedom, and offers practical advice for leaders.

Lose now, win later In this tip about team emotional intelligence Craig offers practical advice to help discern when to fight and when to accept.

Love Love? In group decision making? Really? Yes. Craig explains in this tip. Bonus: great dialogue and stories in the comments section.

Make amends In this tip Craig explains how making amends involves actions, not just words, and how it strengthens the group.

Make deposits before withdrawals In this video Craig explains a simple concept with profound implications: giving before getting. How can this help your group? Craig discusses in the video.

Make others look good In this tip Craig shares the practical benefits of uplifting others in your group.

Make the most of your pre-meeting In this video about team emotional intelligence, Craig encourages group members to put away screens and engage with each other before meetings - because that's often where the magic happens.

Many presentations quick? How to do that! In this video about group process and practice, Craig explains three techniques for managing speakers when you need to get through multiple presentations quickly. One technique is called “Facilitator Fidgets". Bonus: A shepherd's hook!

Many Stories, Many Truths Building on a TED Talk by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Craig highlights how there is never just one story that explains things. It's always multiple stories that make for good group decisions.

Many Ways to Make Group Decisions Many Ways To Make Good Group Decisions

Measure to manage In this tip Craig shares three examples of benchmarking methods that groups can use to measure progress toward goals.

Meeting Facilitation Techniques In this nine-page handout about group process and practice, Craig provides in-depth, behind-the-scenes insights into the four essential functions of meeting facilitation.

Meeting Guidelines Written In this video Craig explains the benefits of having written meeting guidelines, and shows a real example that covers values, techniques, minutes, roles, and more. Sneak peek: one of the roles is “speakerphone advocate”.

Meeting introductions In this video Craig explains a simple technique to help your participants introduce themselves quickly and kick off the meeting on a positive note. If you dread getting bogged down with lengthy intros at the start of meetings, this video is for you.

Meeting Planning Steps for Facilitators In this one-page handout Craig summarizes the steps to plan and prepare for a meeting, from defining the objectives to packing your bags.

Meeting Room First Impressions Matter With the belief that a meeting room setup influences how well the meeting goes, Craig takes us on a quick tour of a room setup and explains how each element builds professional credibility and trust in the process. This video is packed with practical group process tools that you can use immediately.

Meeting Room Set Up – Jamestown, Rhode Island Onsite in a meting room, Craig goes through all the aspects of how to set up the room for a really great meeting.

Meeting Room Setup for Max Effectiveness In this two-page handout Craig explains how room setup supports good group decision making, and provides a diagram of his preferred setup.

Men, Make Room In this video Craig encourages men to be restrained in meetings to make room for women to speak up.

Mis-takes to high stakes In this tip about team emotional intelligence Craig offers practical advice for groups deciding how to handle mistakes.

Mom Registers to Vote On Thursday I took Mom to the Freeport Town Hall and she registered to vote. The Town Clerk, Christine Wolfe, was so nice and helpful to my mom. She welcomed her to the town as a new voter. Then Mom voted and we went on our way. That’s her in the picture. Mom doesn’t watch ...read more

Moral compass In this tip Craig explains how groups can use moral compass as a guide when in uncharted territory.

Morality as agreed In this tip Craig explains how imposing unwelcome morality, or ignoring agreed morality, can be destructive for groups.

More wagging, less barking In this tip about inclusive conversations, Craig explains how our initial attitudes can influence ultimate outcomes.

Move in your meetings This video shows people changing tables at a conference and Craig explains a simple technique to get people moving around and learning from each other.

Multi-vote In this tip about group process and practice, Craig explains how to use a multi-vote technique to establish group priorities.

Multiple truths In this tip about team emotional intelligence, Craig describes the benefits of treating each participant's perspective as their truth.

Music! In this video Craig explains multiple ways music can help with group process and practice: lightening the mood, switching seats, and more. Bonus: a little tour of a meeting room setup.

My first thought is probably not my best In this tip Craig advises that first thoughts often provide a starting place for more refined thoughts, and offers practical advice on when to speak and when to wait.

My part In this tip about team emotional intelligence, Craig reveals some assumptions and wishes we often make about sources of problems and solutions, and offers a more practical way forward.

My responsibility In this tip Craig outlines the difference between individual responsibility and group responsibility and offers suggestions for how to incorporate responsibility into group work.

My thirst for understanding drives me crazy I think humans have a genetic defect that might do us in. Our brains are too big. Not only do our heavy heads cause innumerable muscular/skeletal challenges, we think too much. I have this defect. Recall my recent article where I said that job of the heart is to pump blood, the job of the ...read more

Name In this tip Craig describes the power of naming - issues, situations, perspectives, feelings - and provides advice on how groups can name effectively.

Name leads In this tip about group pr