Establishing Team Ground Rules
As teams are reestablished on a regular basis, we need to be able to communicate, disagree and
confront issues in a constructive manner. The solution is proactive team agreements. Ground rules
represent a collection of agreements the team makes about how they will treat one another. Ground
rules prevent meeting from “running aground.” They create a sense of order and safety within the group
so that individuals can share their ideas comfortably. These rules should reflect the team so a team
leader shouldn’t impose them – each team needs to work together to identify their own norms.
Take action in creating your own ground rules – ask the team what agreements they would like to make
about what they should and should not do during meetings. Ask, “How would we like to behave so that
our meetings are safe and productive?”
Below is a list of some standard ground rules. Your team can adapt, edit or add to this list to create
ground rules that reflect your team’s dynamic.
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Respect one another
Practice active listening
No side tracking, stay on topic
Check assumptions
Avoid phrases such as “we’ve already
tried that” or “ it will never work” or
“yeah, but”
Honor views that are different from
your own
Listen without judging
Be open and honest
No “meetings after the meetings.” If
you want to chat about disagreements
bring them up in the meeting vs.
waiting until afterwards to express
displeasure
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Be specific
One person speaks at a time
Silence equals agreement
Be tactful
Turn off cell phones and do not leave
to answer phone calls
Critique ideas, not people
Involve others
Stay present
If you oppose an item, propose a
solution
Be curious about a topic and ask
deeper questions to gain a better
understanding.
For ground rules to be effectively utilized, they need to be visible and referred to during the meeting.
After the group designs their ground rules, record them (flip chart paper works well) so they are visible
for meetings. Alternatively, they can be written and emailed to each team member for use on electronic
meetings. Each member should have the list available during a meeting.
The facilitator is responsible for making sure the team abides by the ground rules by gently calling
attention to any behavior that doesn’t support the group’s agreements. An example: “I’m noticing a few
side conversations right now. One of our ground rules is to have one speaker at a time.” Team members
should also refer to the ground rules if they notice behavior that is not in alignment.
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Establishing Team Ground Rules
Action Item
1. With your team, create your team’s ground rules. Document the final list and email to each
member for use at each meeting.
2. As your team changes, provide the team agreements for any new member and ask them to add
to the list and ask questions.
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