• Stay engaged. Avoid side conversations and other distractions. • Listen with an open mind. Try to understand others' perspectives. • Consider two or more alternatives simultaneously. • Don't debate—discuss. • Separate facts and opinions:
• Stay engaged. Avoid side conversations and other distractions.• Listen with an open mind. Try to understand others' perspectives.
• Consider two or more alternatives simultaneously.
• Don't debate—discuss.
• Separate facts and opinions: Discuss the facts. Vote your opinion.
• Address interests, not positions.
• Move the deliberations forward. Don't repeat what has already been said.
• Judge ideas, not people. Phrase feedback constructively.
• Identify options on which the group can reach consensus, but don't minimize legitimate disagreements.
• Consider the interests of the community as a whole.
January/February 2009 Common Ground
