7 Rules of Conversation that make for Smooth Staff Meetings

A psychologist friend of mine helped us create these 7 rules that guide how we talk in our staff meetings. We call them conversational ethics.

1. Listen: let others say their piece. As Covey says, “Seek to understand before being understood.”
2. Suspend judgment: Don’t make assumptions about what others say.
3. Share in the thought pool: everybody gives input; participate truthfully (how you really feel)
4. Stay detached from the ideas: don’t take things personally; Use “I” messages; Own your personal view.
5. Let others be inarticulate: help others articulate what they are trying to say by engaging.
6. Make sure anything you would contribute privately would be contributed in the group discussion related to topics discussed. If personal, deal with it 1-on-1.
7. Everybody helps hold each other accountable to this set of ethics.