I am always encouraging groups and teams to create some Ground Rules in order to develop trust amongst their colleagues. If you don’t like the terminology, you might consider them as ‘principles for working together’. Don’t let a title get in the way of what is really important – that teams and working groups identify acceptable behaviours and agree how to communicate with each other, and then uphold those agreements at all times.
I have added a short article about Ground Rules on the Resources page of the website, which explains in more detail the relevance of having them and some examples of what they might comprise. I believe that they are principles for effective communication and building trusting relationships, whether between two people, family members, social settings, at home or in the workplace. Ground Rules are an essential for high performing teams. Even the Red Arrows have Ground Rules!
Whilst we don’t usually discuss what is acceptable when we communicate with people on a 1-2-1 basis, these Ground Rules or principles can be applied at all times and in all settings. Therefore, you may find it a good use of your time to have a read through the article and see how you might be able to apply some of the principles with people in your network of family, friends, acquaintances and colleagues.
