Efficiency
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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.
In this handout Craig explains accountability dynamics in groups and offers a five-step process to address accountability issues.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In this video, Craig shares a tip to improve collaboration and help groups effectively carry out their work.
In this video, Craig reveals three reasons we are driven to make fast group decisions but explains why fast is not always best.
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.
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.
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.
In this tip Craig offers advice for groups trying to see the "big picture" as they establish plans and policies.
In this video Craig tells a little story and explains how value is often unrelated to the amount of time spent.
“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
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.
In this tip Craig cautions groups not to decide, say, or do more than needed, and offers practical advice to help us pace ourselves.
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.
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.
In this tip Craig offers compassionate, practical advice for one of the hardest things groups can do: let something go.
In this tip about group process and practice, Craig reminds us that groups are terrific at generating ideas, but it's individual leadership that gets things done. How? Craig explains in the tip.
In this video Craig explains why NOT writing things down can lead to confusion and inefficiency, which is why meetings sometimes get bad reputations. Here Craig suggests that written records can actually help move your group forward.
In this tip Craig reminds us that opting out can be an effective way to make good group decisions, and explains how.
In this tip about group process and practice, Craig offers practical advice for orienting new members to your group. Do not assume the new member understands the what, how, and why of the group.
In this tip about collaboration Craig cautions that groups are especially prone to failure when trying to do too many things at once, and offers practical strategies to stay focused.
In this tip Craig offers practical advice for stakeholder participation in group decision making.
In this handout Craig briefly explains seven things that high functioning groups do, and why groups should aspire to be high functioning in the first place.
In this video, Craig gives us three ways to help us keep our strategic plans alive: align, report, and revise. If you are worried that your group's plan will get ignored, shelved, or neglected, this video is for you.
In this long-form video Craig runs through a list of typical tips for effective meetings, agreeing with most, but adding an alternate take on some. A great video if you are about to lead - or participate in - a group decision making process.
In this video about group process and practice, Craig explains why NOT writing things down leads to inefficiency and conflict, and describes four techniques for documenting group conclusions.
In this tip Craig offers advice to groups deciding the details of how things will get done. Who should decide what? Craig explains in the tip.
This 6-page handout highlights several tips and tricks for facilitating highly effective Zoom meetings. These tips can be applied to other online meetings also.
