Handouts
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Attitude and Personal Growth
In this tip Craig encourages us to stick with the process of good group decision making, even though we're not perfect at it, and explains the benefits.
In this tip about team emotional intelligence Craig outlines our three choices when we don't like the way things are - adapt, migrate, or perish - and explains the implications of each for our group.
In this tip about inclusive conversations, Craig outlines the practical risks of telling a peer what to do without first asking their opinion.
In this video Craig cautions how our biases can prevent us from making good group decisions.
In this tip Craig encourages us to leave a little excess capacity for the unexpected and explains how we might do that in our groups.
In this tip Craig explains how to keep group decision making momentum, despite being tempted to delay progress in the name of perfection.
In this video Craig tells and ancient story and encourages each of us to "be ourselves."
Are your meetings more like cheap fiction or great literature? In this video Craig offers an analogy to help you consider what energy and attitudes to bring to your meetings.
In this video Craig explains that being faced with poor choices is not an excuse for not making one, and how it';s okay to make a choice even between poor choices.
In this tip Craig explains the benefits of crediting the group rather assigning blame or praise to individuals.
In this tip Craig discusses the difference between right-sized determination and unwavering attachment. He offers practical advice for groups wrestling with damaging attachments.
Inspired by alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin, Craig explains the incredible power of visualizing end results and encourages groups to invest in defining their vision.
In this tip about group process and practice, Craig breaks the concept of discipline into three distinct steps and explains how discipline can help groups achieve their goals, joyfully.
In this video Craig explains the benefits of having a positive attitude.
In this video Craig explains how actually doing good things can make you feel better.
Speaking of the Earth both literally and metaphorically, in this tip Craig encourages groups to consider impact of decisions on other groups and over time. How big is your group's circle of concern?
In this video about team emotional intelligence, Craig discusses how leaders (and others) can harness the power of feedback.
Overwhelmed with gratitude for the work he is able to do and inspired by Jim Collins' Good to Great, Craig shares his magic formula for making a living from his passion, and encourages YOU to find what makes you great.
In this tip about team emotional intelligence, Craig describes how foretelling negativity can contribute to negative outcomes, and offers some alternatives. Bonus: check out the comments section for a great story of this concept in action.
In this tip Craig offers advice for groups feeling burdened by the past while trying to make forward-looking decisions.
People are responding in different ways to the changes afoot. Our federal government is changing. The climate is changing. Technology is changing. Many of us are not sure how to react, or who we’re supposed to be in this unsettling world. My reaction is to do more in person and less online. More in-person gatherings. ...read more
In this tip Craig explains the practical benefits of relentlessly seeking out the best in every person.
In this tip Craig reflects on discontent and explains how gratitude can help bring peaceful resolution.
What makes me smile looking back on my day? It’s not the $5 I spent on a that new thing, or the $5 I saved with that special coupon; it’s the $5 that I gave to Tom the bottle guy. (Here in Maine we have a bottle law so people collect empties for money). When ...read more
It’s easy to be right, in my head. It’s easy to pretend I’m more perfect than I really am; more perfect than you. It’s harder to be wrong, with grace. The measure of integrity is not how right someone is, but how they handle when they’re wrong. We all make mistakes, including you. I know ...read more
In this video about team emotional intelligence Craig explains this meeting guideline: "Please take responsibility for the energy you bring into this space." He reminds us that although we don't have control over everything that happens, we do have control over our own attitude, and shares several helpful attitudes we can bring into meetings.
In this tip Craig discusses the incredible power of humility in group decision making.
In this video Craig cautions against blaming others for things not right, and the inefficiencies that can result.
In this tip Craig discusses the one belief that has the greatest impact on group success.
In this video Craig explains how releasing ourselves from a focus on credit and blame can be very freeing for our group.
In this tip Craig explains when it's okay to say "I don't know" and how doing so can be a gift of efficiency to your group.
In this tip Craig shares some practical strategies and attitudes for cultivating the best ideas from your group.
In this video Craig explains the value of positive thinking and the choices we have aboutr that.
In this tip Craig describes how an attitude of indifference can be freeing and efficient for group members. When there aren't strong feelings, don't force them. Craig explains in the tip.
In this tip Craig explores how kindness contributes to good group decision making.
In this tip Craig outlines the list - sometimes long! - of various interests that leaders must consider, and offers practical advice and encouragement for leaders and followers alike.
In this tip Craig distills classic expertise on leadership into five key practices, and explains how leadership can be practiced from anywhere in the group.
After spotting a Stephen Covey quote, Craig shares his belief that leadership is more about inspiration than about demands or requirements.
Fully aware that there are many diverse perspectives on religion, Craig explains a Quaker principle and shares five practical, secular benefits of this way of thinking when applied to group decision making.
Love? In group decision making? Really? Yes. Craig explains in this tip. Bonus: great dialogue and stories in the comments section.
In this video Craig explains a simple concept with profound implications: giving before getting. How can this help your group? Craig discusses in the video.
In this tip Craig shares the practical benefits of uplifting others in your group.
This phrase has been around since medieval times. I first heard it in Quaker meeting. To me it means that when you have lots of people helping, it’s easier for each person. And more fun. I choose to think of “light” as less burden AND more positive. Last weekend I helped out the Farmyard Jam, ...read more
Building on a TED Talk by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Craig highlights how there is never just one story that explains things. It's always multiple stories that make for good group decisions.
In this tip about team emotional intelligence Craig offers practical advice for groups deciding how to handle mistakes.
In this tip Craig explains how groups can use moral compass as a guide when in uncharted territory.
In this tip about inclusive conversations, Craig explains how our initial attitudes can influence ultimate outcomes.
In this tip about team emotional intelligence, Craig describes the benefits of treating each participant's perspective as their truth.
In this tip about team emotional intelligence, Craig reveals some assumptions and wishes we often make about sources of problems and solutions, and offers a more practical way forward.
In this tip Craig outlines the difference between individual responsibility and group responsibility and offers suggestions for how to incorporate responsibility into group work.
I think humans have a genetic defect that might do us in. Our brains are too big. Not only do our heavy heads cause innumerable muscular/skeletal challenges, we think too much. I have this defect. Recall my recent article where I said that job of the heart is to pump blood, the job of the ...read more
In this tip Craig encourages groups to consider all costs and benefits, not just those that can be measured with dollar value.
In this tip Craig offers a compassionate, practical perspective to help group members embrace the range of personality types participating in shared work.
In this tip Craig reframes changes of mind as potential strengths, not invariable weaknesses. He offers practical advice on considering all angles, for groups and individuals.
World peace is a nice idea, but when news of conflicts from around the world are so abundant on my screens I can find myself drowning in despair. I’ve learned some simple tricks to help me foster peace in a battle-torn world. First of all, the world is not my responsibility. Of course people are ...read more
In this video Craig provides three downsides to applying a label to a person and over-simplifying who they really are.
In this tip about group process and practice, Craig discusses the value of post-process review and explains a simple but effective technique.
Right before heading into an important meeting or conversation, I try to do three things: Plan my notes. If I hear something note-worthy, where will I write it down? I usually have two plans for that. 1. I have in my pocket a couple business cards and a Swiss Army Knife pen. Really. It’s called ...read more
In this video Craig explains that looking for good things in each person is not just a moral issue, it has practical benefits for your group, for the people you meet, and for you.
Just like your navigation app, facilitators are always “recalculating” when in a group process. In this video Craig explains and gives examples of what recalculating looks like in a meeting. (And, um, he tries to do a British accent...)
In this tip Craig explores how groups can instill a sense of reverence into group decision making - and why it's important.
In this video Craig explains how the best Chair persons are those willing to serve the group; willing to set up the chairs.
In this tip Craig outlines the interplay between rules and relationships in group decision making and offers practical advice for using both.
In this tip Craig offers a thought-provoking perspective on the roles of and science and intuition in group decision making. Bonus: A rich range of responses in the comments section.
In this tip Craig offers compassionate, practical advice for participating fully in group decision making while also letting go of outcomes.
In this tip Craig shares a story and some practical advice about discerning and speaking your own truth in a group decision making process.
In this video Craig explores "strong" and "weak" terminology as it applies to group decision making, and provides some thought-provoking advice for your next decision making process.
In this tip Craig encourages groups to take a next step even when the whole plan is not yet clear. If your group is stuck and can't move forward, this tip is for you.
Fully appreciative of diverse perspectives on religion, in this video Craig offers a non-religious take on how the principles of prayer - clarity, humility, hope - offer several practical benefits for group decision making.
I’ve been reading this book – The Courage to be Disliked – and want to tell you some things that I learned from it; and related things I’ve learned over the years. Out of ten people, 1 will dislike you, 2 will like you, and the other 7 will be meh. Why do we focus ...read more
The job of the heart is to pump blood. The job of the lungs is to suck air. The job of the brain is to make thoughts. The lungs and the heart work ALL the time and never turn off. Same. The brain never stops making thoughts. That’s it’s job. This can be hard to ...read more
In this video Craig asserts that we have been seduced into thinking fast is always best, but he argues that that's not always the case and offers practical suggestions for group decision making.
If you want to know what today’s teenagers think about gender and artificial intelligence, you might treat yourself to this 30-minute podcast. Wait. Hold on. If you want to know what THREE TEENAGERS think, treat yourself to this podcast. When I talked with Dylan, Nika, and Wyatt on the radio last week, I learned that not ...read more
In this tip Craig offers compassionate, practical advice for groups experiencing anxiety over things undone.
Is your path to resolution paved mostly with understanding or with trust? In this tip Craig describes both paths and explains their impact on group decision making. If you have different resolution styles in your group, this tip is for you.
In this video Craig explains that in group decision making, some of us need more understanding, more information, before we can trust, while others are ready to trust sooner. Here Craig offers practical advice for both types of people.
In this video Craig reminds us that we never "know it all" and when we think we do, it prohibits us from learning new things.
In this tip Craig explores a foundational principle of good group decision making and discusses the practical benefits of this approach.
Communication
In this video about inclusive conversations, Craig invites two workshop participants to explain what it means to be “a complete listener”.
In this video Craig shares highlights from an essay about civic dialogue and collaboration among people with different histories, values, and interests.
In this tip Craig advises that creating conflict or calling for systemic changes because of one's own personal issues is inefficient - and in some cases, selfish. Craig suggests a practical alternative.
In this tip about team emotional intelligence Craig reminds us that advice works best when solicited and unconditional. What does "solicited and unconditional" look like? Craig explains in the tip.
In this video about team emotional intelligence, Craig outlines four ways to prove that you are listening (or not).
In this video Craig emphasizes the value of in-person conversations and argues that exchanging business cards improves conversation.
In this video Craig gives a tour of a special meeting room setup and explains how it will help support the group through a difficult conversation.
In this video Craig explains the paramount role of "citizen" in a democracy, and how the politicians actually work for "us."
In this tip about team emotional intelligence Craig encourages us to think carefully about when and where to give criticism, and explains the implications.
In this tip Craig describes how to demonstrate listening by showing that you are paying attention and checking for accuracy.
In this tip Craig discusses differences between what is said by a speaker and what is heard by a listener. He offers practical advice for groups wrestling with miscommunication.
In this tip Craig offers practical advice to groups seeking to base their decisions on true understanding.
In this tip about collaboration Craig explains how actions are connected to trust and offers some practical cautions about over-promising.
In this video Craig highlights the downsides of ghosting someone in the middle of a conversation.
In this video, Craig explains why empathy and respect are so important for inclusive conversations, especially difficult conversations with potential adversaries.
In this video Craig argues for the value of face-to-face conversations when you want to make good group decisions.
In this one-page handout Craig provides guidance on when to offer feedback, how to structure feedback, and a four-step process to handle criticism.
In this video about team emotional intelligence, Craig discusses how leaders (and others) can harness the power of feedback.
In this tip Craig describes three ways to influence choices - regulate, incentive, compel - and explains the value of compelling with good, truthful information.
In this tip about group process and practice, Craig describes the value of advance notice for impending decisions and gives a few examples of how to do this, well in advance or on the spot.
If you feel invisible in meetings, Craig has five tips for you: speak early, get and keep the floor, be spontaneous with confidence, avoid criticizing publicly, and build credibility. Craig explains and demonstrates in this video.
In this brief essay Craig offers fundamental principles and practical advice for meaningful conversations across political divides.
In this one-page handout Craig provides five principles for talking with adversaries, including how to speak, how to listen, and what to do when stuck, angry, or dejected.
In this tip Craig discusses the phenomenon of "in-front-of" messaging - messages for multiple audiences beyond the direct recipient - and he suggests some ways to respond.
I know it’s the information age, yet I declare that information is over-rated and that Google is a show stopper. Information in abundance seems like an unconditionally good thing, but I’m not buying it. Our knee-jerk efforts to seek and provide information often shut down conversations and cheapen relationships. Here are three examples. I was ...read more
In this video Craig explains a method to build effective communications between colleagues of different ages. His proposed method might be a little risky but he's willing to give it a try.
In this video about team emotional intelligence Craig explains how sarcasm and jokes can be destructive to group culture. To some it may be "just a joke" but the ramifications can run deep. Craig discusses in the video.
Key Guidelines For Public Input And Engagement Craig Freshley 2026 04 21
In this tip Craig explains the value of "showing where you stand" - yes, with signs and stickers, but also in groups with two specific methods to draw out lots of information quickly.
In this tip about inclusive conversations, Craig distinguishes between "talking" and "contributing" and outlines three practical advantages of good listening.
In this video about team emotional intelligence, Craig encourages group members to put away screens and engage with each other before meetings - because that's often where the magic happens.
In this video Craig encourages men to be restrained in meetings to make room for women to speak up.
In this tip about group process and practice, Craig outlines three steps to take when we are unhappy or disappointed with our group, organization, or government.
Speaking on behalf of others is fraught with potential conflict. In this tip Craig outlines what to do instead. And, he offers an exception to the rule. Bonus: an entertaining example in the comments section.
In this tip about team emotional intelligence Craig explains creative ways to propel momentum with positive feedback.
In the middle of a meeting Craig demonstrates four different ways to gather public input, both written and spoken. Bonus: a glimpse of a professional room setup and facilitation tools that just might inspire your next meeting design!
In this tip Craig discusses the profound advantages of a reflective pause between receiving information and reacting to it.
In this video about inclusive conversations and collaboration, Craig explores the concept of resonance. How can we amplify each other's ideas to create fantastic results? Craig explains here.
In this video Craig invites high school student Coutia Giriteka to tell the story of how she got the idea to always say your third thought, rather than your first thought. This is a great technique for transforming conflict in groups.
In this tip Craig offers practical advice for creating a group process that allows a clear decision to become self-evident.
In this video about group process and practice, Craig explains how showing what you think in a meeting can be very efficient. From "Amens" to "Hear, hears" to thumbs up, straw polls, and consensus color cards, Craig demonstrates several formal and informal techniques to understand a group's energy.
In this video about inclusive conversations, Craig explains three benefits of silence and how sometimes keeping our mouths shut can be highly efficient.
In this tip about inclusive conversations, Craig outlines the practical benefits of starting with a question, even when you think you know the answer. Maybe especially when you think you know the answer.
In this tip Craig explores the choice between talking and listening, and describes four conditions that should be met before deciding to speak.
In this video Craig explains that we teach each other by being good examples and we we learn not just from books, but from each other.
In this video about inclusive conversations, Craig explores what makes a good argument. Is it one that’s able to win the day? Or is it something else? Craig discusses in the video.
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 explains the worth of good rapport and explains three ways to ruin it. If you do these things to someone it makes it really hard to work with them. Ever.
In this video Craig offers two takes on what a vision statement is and how to make it an effective part of a long-term planning process.
Question: I was on Maine Calling last week and Jennifer Rooks asked me: “Craig I think everyone has had a situation where we’re chatting with someone – maybe it’s a neighbor or we’re at a party – and the person says something that surprises you, that you disagree with, that you find unkind. What do ...read more
In this video Craig discusses different ways to speak from authority - science, divinity, and personal experience - and explains how each perspective can affect a debate.
I’ve met Pearce Godwin a couple times at conferences and was on a webinar with him last week hosted by NCDD. He’s our nation’s leading expert in talking across divides, in my opinion. He told us that if you are a political lefty and you want the attention of a righty, consider modifying your approach ...read more
In this tip Craig outlines the benefits of putting group comments and conclusions into a written format, and why it's worth the effort. He also suggests several strategies for different points in the decision process.
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.
Zoom Meeting Basics Handout
Conflict Prevention
In this tip Craig explains how accountability done right is helpful, but done wrong causes resentment, and he offers practical advice for managing accountability in your group.
In this tip about team emotional intelligence Craig explains how admitting mistakes is a freeing act of empowerment, for ourselves and for our group.
In this video Craig analyzes why it is so important to align words with deeds to build trust, and offers solutions to help avoid conflict.
In this tip Craig reviews three ways of knowing and offers practical advice to avoid damage from false assumptions.
In this tip Craig encourages us to each take personal responsibility for collaborative decision making - whether at home, in families, in communities, or at work - and gives examples of what this looks like.
In this tip about collaboration Craig explains why it's so inefficient to ask groups to change before first examining our own attitudes and roles.
In this video Craig explains why we make categorical judgments and warns us about how they can impede good group decision making.
In this tip Craig describes three causes of conflict - misunderstanding, differing values, and outside issues - and outlines ways to resolve each.
In the tip Craig offers a practical step-by-step approach to resolve conflict by deciding what to change and what to accept.
In this video, inspired by roadside signs he's passing by, Craig explains why broad participation helps community groups reach peaceful solutions.
In this one-page handout Craig provides a quick overview of the conditions for successful mediation and the role of the mediator.
In this five-page handout Craig discusses three types of disagreement and outlines a six-step process for addressing conflict.
In this tip about team emotional intelligence Craig outlines six specific steps to resolve tension or conflict in a group.
In this tip Craig describes how to prevent conflict in team dynamics by being careful where to direct disagreements.
In this video Craig demonstrates a script for introducing ground rules at the start of a meeting. If you've ever wondered how to set the tone for good group process, this video is for you.
I fly this flag because, well, I love how it looks on this old New England farmhouse. And, to show that I believe in our country more than I believe in my party or other ideals. Political parties and politicians represent thought trends; popular thinking. Yet strong countries and constitutions weather such trends and hold ...read more
In my world, “how to bridge divides” is the question of the day. One answer: don’t even try. Go around. Bridge closed; seek alternate route. Find other ways to connect. In her book High Conflict, Amanda Ripley explains “the magic ratio” of 5:1. It takes five positive interactions to prevent or overcome one bad interaction. ...read more
In this tip Craig encourages individuals and groups to resist the impulse to act quickly, if it's not absolutely necessary. Craig explains why in the tip.
Since 9/11 – 25 years ago today – I’ve noticed a trend in the United States and I don’t know what to make of it. The trend is that we are increasingly scared of enemies within; people right here in our homeland whom we’re encouraged to fear and think of as enemies. In addition to ...read more
In this tip about group process and practice, Craig describes the hazards of decisions without enforcement and offers three practical steps to take when someone in your group is breaking rules.
In this video Craig invites his friend Charlotte to tell a story about conflict management. It's a small conflict with a big lesson for groups of all sizes. Craig - and Charlotte! - explain in the video.
In this video Craig shows an audience how to convert confrontational statements into invitations for productive discussions. The magic words are "Here's what I heard". Craig explains in the video.
In this video Craig explains what to consider when you see someone break a rule, and the choices you have.
When someone walks out of a meeting, upset, what is your responsibility if you are the meeting leader? Craig offers one perspective in this video about group process and practice.
In this video about team emotional intelligence Craig advises that “expectations are planned resentments” and explains how to build shared understanding in order to prevent conflict.
In this one-page handout Craig provides five principles for talking with adversaries, including how to speak, how to listen, and what to do when stuck, angry, or dejected.
In this video Craig explains a useful analogy to help groups untangle conflicts. Bonus: A glimpse of Craig's bear bag at a campsite in Northern Maine! What's a bear bag? Find out in the video.
In this tip Craig cautions about superficial participation by those without significant stakes in the outcome and how it can cause huge inefficiency.
In this tip Craig describes the difference between interests and positions and explains how one enhances collaboration while the other limits it.
In this tip Craig recognizes all the information that good leaders protect - or reveal - in the best interests of the group, and offers practical advice for leaders and followers to help discern the right course of action.
In this video, from on a bike in Hawaii, Craig explains the value of learning from people who have differing perspectives from our own.
In this video about collaboration Craig reminds us that not everyone in the group needs to be involved in solving every disagreement. Watch to learn about alternative ways to resolve group tensions.
In this video about group process and practice, Craig explains why "sticking to the plan" isn't always what's best for the group, and shows how his local library was open to changing plans to meet community needs.
In this video Craig applies the principles of counter-terrorism techniques to the situations we face every day: conflict at work, in communities, in families. What if we listened to our enemies rather than assuming we already know their motivations? Craig discusses in the video.
In this tip about team emotional intelligence Craig offers practical advice to help discern when to fight and when to accept.
In this tip Craig explains how making amends involves actions, not just words, and how it strengthens the group.
In this tip Craig explains how imposing unwelcome morality, or ignoring agreed morality, can be destructive for groups.
In this tip Craig advises that first thoughts often provide a starting place for more refined thoughts, and offers practical advice on when to speak and when to wait.
In this tip about trust and efficiency, Craig explains when to raise issues with a full group and when to save them for one-on-one conversations.
In this tip about group process and practice, Craig explains how to make decisions with multiple interests in mind - and cultivate win-win outcomes.
In this tip Craig explains how outside issues can impact group dynamics, and offers practical steps to help the group move forward.
A few days ago I went to a talk at the University of Southern Maine by Dr. Eboo Patel called Strengthening Democracy Through Pluralism. Here’s what I learned. Eboo Patel is a terrific speaker. And he likes the Grateful Dead. It was super-fun to hear his band analogies; how the Grateful Dead are a model ...read more
In this one-page handout about group process and practice, Craig provides an overview of eight key principles to help address conflict.
In this tip about inclusive conversations Craig explains how the best group decisions are made when we genuinely consider all offerings, not just the ones we like.
In this tip Craig explains the practical benefits for group decision making when we are open to new interpretations of old stories.
In this tip Craig explains about how resentments develop when expectations are not met.
In this tip Craig offers a thought-provoking perspective on the role of revenge in group decision making, and responds to a reader's respectful challenge in the comments section.
In this tip about team emotional intelligence Craig offers a thought-provoking perspective on allowing others (and ourselves) to be "wrong" as we try on ideas and as our thinking evolves.
In this tip about group process and practice, Craig explores the benefits of establishing decision making rules BEFORE you get to the hard decisions.
In this tip Craig explores sources of conflict and outlines a practical step to clarify expectations and minimize conflict.
In this video Craig sites a book called You Just Don’t Understand: Women and Men in Conversation and explains that attributes of both are required for good group decisions.
In this video about collaboration, Craig explains the magic of the phrase "That's the way it looks from here."
In this video about collaboration, Craig explains the value of getting to know each other outside of meetings - including trading recipes! Bonus: illustrative stories about Angus King and about Craig's cohousing community.
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 explains the two conditions that need to be met right from the start if a group wants to address and resolve a conflict.
In this tip Craig explores the difference between understanding a situation and solving a problem, and offers advice to groups to help build understanding first.
Don't develop a great solution to the wrong problem! In this tip Craig offers practical advice and steps to help groups identify problems before discussing solutions.
In this video Craig outlines the choices we have when we are insulted or unfairly criticized.
When should the whole group confront a conflict, and when not to? Craig explains that if it’s truly in the way, then you are going to have to unpack the issue. In this video Craig gives three reasons why, and some practical tips on how.
Many of us are taught to “lose with grace.” In this video Craig tells us it’s just as important to “win with grace” and explains how it builds peace and creativity over the long run.
Creativity
In this tip Craig empathizes with how hard saying no can be, but explains why it's an essential skill and offers practical advice on how to do so.
In this tip about group process and practice, Craig explains why - and how - every group member should understand the agenda-setting process and have access to it.
In this tip about group process and practice, Craig encourages us to pose alternative solutions - even when we think we have the right answer. Why? Craig explains in the tip.
In this tip about group process and practice, Craig advocates for bringing artistic influences into group decision making, and he explains the practical benefits.
In this tip about collaboration Craig offers a perspective to help us reframe problems as misalignments, thereby opening up more possible solutions. Craig explains in the tip.
In this tip Craig describes how "staying the same" - i.e. "maintaining" - in group decision making can actually require a very dynamic approach, and illustrates with examples.
In this video, Craig encourages board members to connect with the mission of their organization by getting out and seeing the work first-hand.
In this tip about team emotional intelligence Craig explains the value of connections in our group and suggests areas of focus in order to maintain strong groups.
In this tip Craig explains the practical benefits of deliberately welcoming and incorporating diverse viewpoints in a group.
In this video about collaboration, Craig explains three key ingredients for getting and keeping volunteers.
In this tip Craig explains the value of feedback to good group decision making, and offers practical advice for seeking, giving, and receiving feedback.
In this video about group process and practice, Craig explains what he means by “femaleadership;” leadership qualities generally held by women and much needed to make a better world.
In this tip Craig explains why and how to incorporate interaction and cross-pollination of ideas into meeting and communications design.
In this tip Craig explains why and how to encourage open sharing of all points of view, and offers cautions about what happens when we don't.
In this tip about group process and practice, Craig describes how incorporating a variety of approaches can lead to the most creative group decisions.
In the middle of a meeting, Craig pauses to explain the “interest-based bargaining” method that he is using with this group of management leaders and union leaders. Watch the video to learn why this method can be so successful in difficult negotiations.
In this video about group process and practice, Craig explains the value of planning - even when the plan itself is not the main benefit. Planning skeptics, check this out.
In this video Craig outlines three fundamental skills for effective collaboration. And he explains how collaboration software (like shared documents) is helpful, but only goes so far.
In this video Craig explains how takling the time to coordinate planning with other departments or organizations is a worthy investment.
In this tip Craig describes the power of naming - issues, situations, perspectives, feelings - and provides advice on how groups can name effectively.
In this tip Craig offers practical guidance for groups where dominant voices are preventing inclusive conversations.
In this video Craig introduces triple-win collaboration, which benefits not only the partners but the greater community. And he outlines three key ingredients for successful organizational collaborations.
Feeling stuck or uncertain? In this tip Craig describes how outside influences can bring inspiration or affirmation to a group.
In the middle of a meeting Craig demonstrates four different ways to gather public input, both written and spoken. Bonus: a glimpse of a professional room setup and facilitation tools that just might inspire your next meeting design!
Think fun and creativity don't belong in meetings? Craig explains the practical benefits of recreation for good group decision making.
In this tip Craig encourages us to make room for our stories in our group decision making, and explains how stories bring us to deeper understanding.
In this tip about group process and practice, Craig explains how establishing a firm structure allows maximum creativity within the structure, and offers practical suggestions for decision making groups.
In this tip about group process and practice, Craig explores the practical benefits of taking a break: efficiency, clearer thoughts, calmer emotions, and more. If your group is resistant to taking breaks, this tip is for you.
In this video about group process and practice, Craig explains that the most important thing you can do to encourage creative thinking in your group is to make room for it. Here Craig offers four specific techniques to “make room”.
In this video Craig explains that allowing 16-year-olds to vote is a way to include people in group decisions for whom the future matters.
Efficiency
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.
Group Technique
In this one-page handout Craig offers a quick overview of principles to help your group design an agenda and run an effective, inclusive meeting.
In this video about group process and practice, Craig explains three reasons why agenda items should have times assigned.
In this video Craig explains two principles for successful group process: formal full commitment to participation, and formal votes bookending the process.
In this video about group process and practice, Craig reviews the steps to take before and after a meeting to encourage successful outcomes.
In this tip about group process and practice, Craig provides practical guidance on how to wrap up or transition a group's discussion, especially when the group is fired up.
In this tip about team emotional intelligence Craig encourages us to motivate our team with a compelling vision and gives examples of how to do so.
In this handout Craig discusses six characteristics that help facilitators be good at what they do.
In this one-page handout about group process and practice, Craig provides a quick overview of nine key characteristics of productive, inclusive, efficient groups.
In this tip about group process and practice, Craig describes three specific steps to help lay the foundation for good group decision making.
In this tip about group process and practice, Craig explains why it's so important to provide space for closing comments at the end of a meeting, and offers practical guidance on how.
In this tip Craig explains what makes a coalition and when it's okay to adjust coalition membership by adding or removing parties.
In this tip Craig offers practical advice on when and how to establish sub-groups, working groups, or committees, and how to manage them effectively.
In this tip Craig explains how consensus at the core can greatly improve group trust and efficiency and provides practical advice on achieving it.
In this two-page handout Craig describes the general flow and specific steps in a consensus decision making process. He also provides additional detail on addressing a block and allowing previous decisions to stand.
In this tip about group process and practice, Craig cautions that using consensus decision making does not excuse a group from having structure and protocol. Craig explains why in the tip.
In this tip about group process and practice, Craig explains the circumstances that warrant the time and effort of consensus decision making.
In this tip about group process and practice, Craig offers a solution for groups that are stuck and can't make a decision: decide how to decide. The tip gives specific examples of what this might look like.
In this tip about group process and practice, Craig cautions us not to use the same decision method for all decisions. He explains various decision making options and explores effort vs. impact.
Using a circle as a metaphor, in this tip Craig explains how valuable it is for a group to know its center as well as its edges, and he describes how to define the edges.
In this tip Craig describes groups' high need for fast achievement and offers practical advice to help prevent charging off in the wrong direction.
In this video, Craig explains a simple technique to make sure everyone has shared understanding of a group decision.
In this tip Craig describes the critical benefits of neutral facilitation for good group process, whether by a paid expert or a skilled volunteer.
In this tip Craig introduces the perhaps provocative notion that failure IS an option. What might this look like for groups? Craig explains in the tip.
In this video Craig interviews Henry Chance who had recently used Craig's Good Group Tips during jury duty. This video is packed with practical advice and real-life examples of applying good group decision making principles.
In this video Craig spontaneously interviews a nonprofit director about the "Good Meeting Guidelines" posted in her headquarters. Why did they develop these guidelines? What's it like to use them daily? This video explains.
In this video - shot live during a meeting - Craig shows us how each table is using Google Docs to capture the ideas from their small group discussions. He also shows the instruction slide they are following. This video offers a glimpse of a very efficient group process technique.
In this tip about group process and practice, Craig explains the value of ground rules for meetings and describes how to use them regularly.
In this four-page handout about group process and practice, Craig discusses the purpose of ground rules and provides dozens of sample ground rules covering individual attitudes and actions as well as collective group processes.
In this one-page handout Craig provides an overview of seven steps for group decision making, including detailed guidance for the step called "create".
In this one-page handout Craig provides a simple chart for group decision making showing when to make decisions by consensus, majority-rule, or one-decider.
In this one-page handout Craig provides a simple illustration of three types of group decision making: consensus, majority-rule, or one-decider.
Handout Guidelines For Facilitating A Public Discussion
In this tip about team emotional intelligence, Craig describes a culture of quick and visible agreement and explains how efficient it can be for decision making.
In this video Craig interviews Chloe, a high school senior practicing good group process skills. This video is packed with inspiration and practical tips for anyone exploring meeting facilitation.
In this tip Craig suggests a strategy for group success based on honoring individuals' strengths in the moment.
With a potluck lunch in the background, in this video Craig reminds us how socializing - and perhaps even breaking bread together - can help your group make good group decisions.
In this video about inclusive conversations, Craig reminds us that there are alternatives to calling on people in the order that they raise their hands. Watch to learn about three different strategies.
In this video about group decision making, Craig explains a strategy for handling future decisions that can't be resolved by the end of a meeting.
When I’m the facilitator or leader, I end almost every meeting with Closing Comments. I write this into the agenda and make time for it on the spot. I ask each person to share a highlight from the meeting, perhaps a take-away, or perhaps a hope going forward. This is different from “meeting evaluation.” I encourage ...read more
In this video about group process and practice, Craig reviews the four essential functions of good meeting facilitation - provide structure, encourage participation, reflect the group, and push the group forward - and explains what each one looks like in action.
In this video about group process and practice, Craig outlines five simple but essential steps to effectively kick off a committee's work.
In this video about group process and practice, Craig reflects on how easy it is to brainstorm lists of ideas but how hard it can be to narrow them down. Want a simple technique to cut down your list? Craig explains in the video.
In this video Craig explains several techniques for getting people up and moving during meetings. This is especially helpful for long meetings in windowless conference rooms.
As a group leader how do you manage a conversation that one person is dominating? In this video Craig explains and demonstrates a technique.
In this video Craig walks us through five key ingredients for an effective meeting. Bonus: a glimpse of a meeting room and "effective meeting zone" poster at the National Geographic Society headquarters.
In this video Craig explains specific steps for how to do a multi-vote among a group of people around a table.
Handout How To Model Decorum Craig Freshley 2026 04 21
On March 21, 2026, I moderated a debate among candidates for Governor in Maine. I have facilitated thousands of meetings, but have never moderated a debate. I pushed myself to learn best practices and afterwords I reflected on lessons learned.
In this tip Craig offers advice for groups who are "stuck".
In this video about group process and practice, Craig explains a key technique for getting unstuck when your group is having trouble moving on.
In this video about group process and practice, as Craig sets up for a meeting, he explains three options for summarizing and reflecting back to a group: projector screen, flip chart, or printed handout. Here Craig explains the pros and cons of each and in particular, when to use a handout.
In this video Craig demonstrates his portable microphone & speaker system and explains how he uses it to facilitate inclusive interaction in large groups.
In this video, Craig - in costume at Comic Con, with help from some superheros! - demonstrates a quick, fun way to open meetings and help group members get to know each other.
In this tip Craig discusses the benefits of inaugurations - deliberate rituals to convey trust and hope in new leaders.
In this tip Craig outlines the practical benefits of taking small steps to achieve big objectives.
This is my first question when I walk into a room or join a group. Yours too. Before I do or say anything, I’m wondering about THIS. Because the answer to THIS QUESTION determines everything about how I act and what I say. When I’m in the role of meeting facilitator, my very first job ...read more
In this video about group process and practice, Craig reveals three conditions in which a facilitator is justified in cutting off a participant's comments.
In this video Craig explains techniques for keeping your strategic plan alive. If you fear your plan will just sit on a shelf, check this out. Bonus: a glimpse of the location where Craig decided, years ago, to become a professional meeting facilitator!
In this tip about group process and practice, Craig explores the power of "the last minute" and offers practical advice to help groups to avoid decision making regrets.
In the middle of a meeting, Craig demonstrates a technique for efficiently sharing lots of knowledge: simultaneous participant visits to "stations". Watch the video to see it in action and learn how to try it in your meetings.
What does light-touch facilitation look like? In this tip about group process and practice, Craig explains how to gently provide structure for a group powered by its own momentum.
In this tip about group process and practice, Craig describes the benefits of balancing structure and freedom, and offers practical advice for leaders.
In this video about group process and practice, Craig explains three techniques for managing speakers when you need to get through multiple presentations quickly. One technique is called “Facilitator Fidgets". Bonus: A shepherd's hook!
Many Ways To Make Good Group Decisions
In this tip Craig shares three examples of benchmarking methods that groups can use to measure progress toward goals.
In this nine-page handout about group process and practice, Craig provides in-depth, behind-the-scenes insights into the four essential functions of meeting facilitation.
In this video Craig explains the benefits of having written meeting guidelines, and shows a real example that covers values, techniques, minutes, roles, and more. Sneak peek: one of the roles is “speakerphone advocate”.
In this video Craig explains a simple technique to help your participants introduce themselves quickly and kick off the meeting on a positive note. If you dread getting bogged down with lengthy intros at the start of meetings, this video is for you.
In this two-page handout Craig summarizes the steps to plan and prepare for a meeting, from defining the objectives to packing your bags.
With the belief that a meeting room setup influences how well the meeting goes, Craig takes us on a quick tour of a room setup and explains how each element builds professional credibility and trust in the process. This video is packed with practical group process tools that you can use immediately.
Onsite in a meting room, Craig goes through all the aspects of how to set up the room for a really great meeting.
In this two-page handout Craig explains how room setup supports good group decision making, and provides a diagram of his preferred setup.
This video shows people changing tables at a conference and Craig explains a simple technique to get people moving around and learning from each other.
In this tip about group process and practice, Craig explains how to use a multi-vote technique to establish group priorities.
In this video Craig explains multiple ways music can help with group process and practice: lightening the mood, switching seats, and more. Bonus: a little tour of a meeting room setup.
In this tip about group process and practice, Craig describes three critical anchors to help any group meeting be more creative, efficient, and safe.
In this tip Craig explains when and why it's okay to adjust plans and rules in your group.
In this video Craig dives into what he means by "good" group decisions: peace and profit. Both? For every group? All the time? Yes. Craig explains here.
In this tip Craig explains three fundamental steps that help make a meeting great, and how to implement them in your group process and practice.
In this video Craig cautions that without structure - agendas, decision criteria, facilitators - the dominant people in the group may sway results towards their own interests (intentionally or otherwise). Here Craig explains how structure provides fairness and offers simple techniques to create inclusive group processes.
In the middle of a meeting Craig demonstrates four different ways to gather public input, both written and spoken. Bonus: a glimpse of a professional room setup and facilitation tools that just might inspire your next meeting design!
There are so many books about group decision making! Here's the list of Craig's favorites, in a 4-page handout organized by category.
Inspired by a visit to the Maine House of Representatives Chamber, Craig explains key principles of the widely-used but sometimes complicated Robert's Rules of Order. In this video Craig covers the principles of one question at a time, fair opportunities to speak, impartial leadership, and touches on the purpose and spirit of the Rules as a whole. A great overview of a classic, and the comments section is chock full of additional resources.
In this video about group process and practice, Craig explains the “round robin” facilitation technique (giving everyone a chance to speak, one at a time) and he offers some tips on when and how to use this technique in a meeting. This video is packed with practical examples.
In this super quick video Craig demonstrates a technique to convey information to people working in groups without interrupting them.
In this video Craig reviews seven key ingredients for successful meetings and good group agreements. This video is packed with both principles and practical tips.
At the core of every defined group is a set of shared values. What are your group's? Craig explains the benefits of identifying them.
In this tip about group process and practice, Craig explores the practical benefits of defining your group's shared vision.
In this video Craig weighs in on the debate over whether a neutral facilitator should ever insert a suggestion into a group discussion. Here Craig explains his perspective on when it is, and is not, okay.
In this video Craig explains to a live audience six ground rules designed to help us navigate challenging group conversations about strongly held political opinions. By the way, these guidelines can also help us keep things civil in families, teams, organizations, and communities.
In this tip Craig reflects on the practical benefits of setting achievable goals, especially when morale could use a boost.
In this video Craig outlines three benefits of separating the process (the way decisions are made) from the substance (what actually gets decided).
In this two-page handout Craig summarizes the elements of a strategic plan, steps in an inclusive planning process, and the purpose of a plan.
Sometimes leaving a project or cutting a program is the best overall option. In this tip Craig explains how and when groups should consider quitting as a realistic choice.
In this tip about group process and practice, Craig explains when and how to use quick, simple, non-binding votes to get snapshots of a group's sentiment.
In this tip about group process and practice, Craig explains why and how to assess strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats at the start of a planning process.
On a scale of 1-5 how was it, and why? That’s it. After a meeting, event, program, activity, or anything that you want feedback on, ask each person to answer the above question. It’s deliberately open-ended. You can answer this with positives or negatives. You are pushed to say the magnitude of your positivity or ...read more
In this video about group process and practice, Craig demonstrates how to use table discussion guides: written instructions for table facilitators and note-takers. This video is packed with practical tips and replicable examples.
In this video about group process and practice, Craig discusses four reasons why taking a break every 1.5 hours boosts productivity. If you think “we’re too busy for a break,” learn here how breaks actually make things MORE efficient.
In this video about group process and practice, Craig discusses the "right to understand" principle from Robert's Rules of Order. He explains what this principle looks like in action and why it's so important to preserve this right.
When there’s a strong difference of opinion among two parties, having a third party who works for both sides can be hugely helpful. Scuffle on the street? It’s a third party who often breaks it up; not trying to take a side but simply stop the fight. Row between two friends? It’s often that third ...read more
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 tip Craig outlines three steps for group decision making - raising the issue, discussing the issue, deciding - and he describes what each step looks like in practice.
This video shows Craig and his colleague setting up a meeting room super fast. And in the comments is an explanation of Craig's "Greenwall," sometimes called a sticky wall.
In this two-page handout Craig explains how to prepare for and facilitate a high-quality panel discussion. If the words "panel discussion" fill you with dread, this handout is for you!
Is it okay for a meeting facilitator to say “I don’t know what to do?” In this video Craig says “Yes!” and explains how to be transparent about facilitation options while maintaining credibility with the group.
Come along on a tour of a meeting room set up for a special purpose. In this video Craig shows the seating arrangement and facilitation tools this group is about to use to make good group decisions!
In this video about group process and practice, Craig encourages groups to try summarizing ideas in real time by typing on the screen, and he offers a brief demonstration.
Consensus decision making has a bad reputation for being process-heavy, confusing, inefficient, and frustrating. It’s a very idealistic notion, rarely attainable. Perhaps that’s why I’m so attracted to it! Haha. I joined a cohousing community that makes decisions by consensus. I chaired a Waldorf school board that makes decisions by consensus. I’m often hired by ...read more
Here is Craig’s in-depth take on all that is meant by “good group decisions.” In this long-form video Craig clarifies each element of the phrase, and the outcomes that result. He also explains seven key steps and four key attitudes that are essential for good group decisions. A great video for those about to lead - or participate in - a group decision process.
In this tip Craig explains the importance of knowing the next step, and how it can provide momentum for a stuck group.
In this video about group process and practice, Craig demonstrates a technique for condensing a large list of items so that a group can identify priorities - in other words, how to show the "whole picture in brief".
Like a river, a group's energy can be turbulent, stagnant, swirling, or powerfully rushing forward. In this tip Craig offer practical suggestions for observing and working with group energy.
In this tip about group process and practice, Craig explores the incredible effectiveness and efficiency of writing comments and conclusions for everyone in the meeting to see.
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.
Zoom Meeting Basics Handout
This and That
Craig Freshley makes short videos to help groups have better meetings, improve communication, and boost productivity. When Craig made his 100th video we made this fun little montage to celebrate the milestone! This video has captions. To see them, click CC on the video screen. Which video is best for your group? Did you ...read more
Did you notice I changed the name? This newsletter used to be mostly about my work. Now it’s mostly about me. Haha. No really. In future editions you’re going to find stories from all walks of my life, not just my work. Think: not-so-much a newsletter from a consulting company, but ideas and stories from ...read more
Angus King was just sworn into the United States Senate. Yeah Angus! He served as Maine’s Governor for 8 years and he is a fellow resident of Brunswick, Maine. He told Tom Brokaw of NBC news while strolling around Brunswick — just Angus, Mary and Tom strolling the streets — that he hoped to go ...read more
Yes, I’m a Quaker. Here’s what it means. Especially these days, especially in New England, it seems out of favor to talk about religion. Or to not have one. I’m often apologetic. “Well, Quakerism is about the most easy-going, liberal, non-conformist religion there is,” I find myself saying. Or, “Well, as a Quaker, you can ...read more
Philadelphia is the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. And it is a national emblem for free speech. Yet here in Philadelphia at the annual convention of the National Speakers Association this week they had a contest for people to write a Declaration of Interdependence. And I won! Here’s what ...read more
Our Congress is currently debating HR 1, For the People Act. Advocates say the bill is the most consequential piece of voting legislation since the Voting Rights Act of 1965. I’m all for it. In my opinion it will strengthen our democracy in critical ways. It will help us get along with each other better, ...read more
I’ve seen bad meeting facilitation result in SO MANY bad group decisions; decisions by governments and governing boards that leave out key points of view, that ignore relevant information, that decide too much too fast, that seem like a waste of time. Is there one leadership skill that’s higher leverage than all others? I’m thinking ...read more
Since 2004 I have written and emailed 163 Good Group Tips to subscribers. Each one is a page. They are on all aspects of group dynamics. You can read them all here. Did you know that each Good Group Tip has a Bob Dylan lyric to go with it? Every Tuesday morning my friend Brian ...read more
Some folks have a boat. Some folks have a camp. I have a barn. I spend my vacation money at the lumber yard! I love it actually. Carpentry is such a nice change of pace for me. A different kind of thinking. In the first photo is the week-one-crew: Ezra and Porter just starting their ...read more
I am trying to get this to as many young people as possible, not to be a jerk but to make a point. Here’s the point. If you don’t vote you have no business complaining about the government. In the last presidential election, just 49% of 18-24 year-olds voted. That’s pretty bad. This is your ...read more
After my book was published – Together We Decide, An Essential Guide for Making Good Group Decisions – I hosted a free online Webinar to explain how I wrote the book and to take questions from viewers. If you want to focus on the little history of how I wrote the book, that begins at ...read more
Find the One You Need The Tips are useful for all types of groups facing all types of challenges. There are so many, the first trick is to find the one you need! 1. Type some keywords about your challenge into the “Search Tips, Videos, and Handouts” box at the bottom left of every page. ...read more
HWCFR: How Would Craig Freshley Rephrase? This bracelet was made by a client and provided to their staff. Very flattering! It refers to an exercise that I have done with them a few times. It’s often not helpful to say what you are really thinking. What MIGHT you like to say to someone…..but really shouldn’t? ...read more
Recently a Good Group Tips reader contacted me asking how to reckon with an “informality” culture in meetings. Here’s his question and my response. Question I’m a big proponent of structure in group decision making. In my job and my community I serve in various leadership roles on committees and boards. In many circumstances, the leaders ...read more
At a time of isolation and screens, setting up a neighborhood Little Free Library has been a joy. The kids were grateful to have a project. And the parents were grateful for the kids to have a project! We ordered a kit from the nonprofit organization called Little Free Library. Step one: prime all ...read more
On Thursday I took Mom to the Freeport Town Hall and she registered to vote. The Town Clerk, Christine Wolfe, was so nice and helpful to my mom. She welcomed her to the town as a new voter. Then Mom voted and we went on our way. That’s her in the picture. Mom doesn’t watch ...read more
I live and work on land that is a homeland for the Wabanaki, taken by settlers from away. I honor with gratitude the native people before me and among me. This is my land acknowledgement. The short version is the two sentences above. The long version is a brief telling of some local notive history, ...read more
A few days ago I went to a talk at the University of Southern Maine by Dr. Eboo Patel called Strengthening Democracy Through Pluralism. Here’s what I learned. Eboo Patel is a terrific speaker. And he likes the Grateful Dead. It was super-fun to hear his band analogies; how the Grateful Dead are a model ...read more
Dick Barringer was my mentor in graduate school. He got me an internship at the Maine State Planning Office that led to a job that led to a career. He believed in me. I know that because he told me, all the time, every time he saw me. He introduced me to others as a ...read more
There’s so much to love about libraries. They are magic civic spaces. In a consumer society, libraries are more special than ever. Did you know that a public library is one of the few places where you can: Hang out and not be expected to buy anything Interact with a human being (your friendly librarian) ...read more
In this post, Craig analyzes this popular video about being a first follower. And he tells the story of his own first follower: Jim. And there's even a bit about Taylor Swift.
In the recent Facilitation Workshop, a question came up about how to handle nervousness. “I’m a wreck before the meeting,” she said. For me it’s planning and preparation. Sounds simple – and certainly common sense – but it’s often the simple common sense stuff that works. Whenever I have to facilitate a meeting I prepare ...read more
Thanks to all who commented on the value of facilitation during our International Facilitation Week online conversation. We held a random drawing from among all those who submitted comments and the winner of Craig’s books was Julie Allaire. Congrats, Julie! We heard lots of great comments and stories about how facilitators can really help groups – and ...read more
Here’s an unsolicited letter we received regarding a meeting facilitation project. And here’s an unsolicited email we received regarding our Good Group Tips. Mr. Freshley, I’m writing to thank you for taking time to share your wisdom and expertise in the form of Good Group Tips. Without exception I find them insightful, compassionate and ...read more
I recently ran a meeting specifically for people age 16-24 to ask them their views of the world and what they wish adults better understood about their generation. The few adults in the room were sworn to silence; there to listen. The young people in the room said some things that broke my heart. Here’s ...read more
I remember the first conference I was in when I heard one. A guy at the start explained how the land beneath our very feet was once inhabited by Indigenous people – he named the tribes – and he explained that the land had been taken. Wow, I thought to myself. That’s pretty rad. Turns ...read more
Some of you know I have a daughter who lives in Belgium. Did you know that she recently had a daughter? And that my granddaughter is a dual citizen? The baby is both American and Belgian. Trying to be the clever granddad, I wrote to the parents: “Who’s the baby gonna cheer for?” My son-in-law ...read more
