Tips

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 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 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 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 team emotional intelligence Craig explains how admitting mistakes is a freeing act of empowerment, for ourselves and for our group.

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 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 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 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 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 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 inclusive conversations, Craig outlines the practical risks of telling a peer what to do without first asking their opinion.

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 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 encourages us to leave a little excess capacity for the unexpected and explains how we might do that in our groups.

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 tip Craig explains how to keep group decision making momentum, despite being tempted to delay progress in the name of perfection.

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 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 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 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 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 about team emotional intelligence Craig outlines six specific steps to resolve tension or conflict in a group.

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 how consensus at the core can greatly improve group trust and efficiency and provides practical advice on achieving it.

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 Craig describes how to prevent conflict in team dynamics by being careful where to direct disagreements.

In this tip Craig explains the benefits of crediting the group rather assigning blame or praise to individuals.

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 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 how to demonstrate listening by showing that you are paying attention and checking for accuracy.

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 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 explains the practical benefits of deliberately welcoming and incorporating diverse viewpoints in a group.

In this tip Craig offers practical advice to groups seeking to base their decisions on true understanding.

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 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 tip about collaboration Craig explains how actions are connected to trust and offers some practical cautions about over-promising.

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.

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 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 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 tip Craig explains the value of feedback to good group decision making, and offers practical advice for seeking, giving, and receiving feedback.

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 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 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.

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 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 explains the practical benefits of relentlessly seeking out the best in every person.

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 Craig reflects on discontent and explains how gratitude can help bring peaceful resolution.

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 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 about group process and practice, Craig describes how incorporating a variety of approaches can lead to the most creative group decisions.

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.

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 tip Craig offers advice for groups trying to see the "big picture" as they establish plans and policies.

In this tip Craig suggests a strategy for group success based on honoring individuals' strengths in the moment.

In this tip Craig offers advice for groups who are "stuck".

In this brief essay Craig offers fundamental principles and practical advice for meaningful conversations across political divides.

In this tip Craig discusses the incredible power of humility in group decision making.

In this tip Craig discusses the one belief that has the greatest impact on group success.

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 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 discusses the phenomenon of "in-front-of" messaging - messages for multiple audiences beyond the direct recipient - and he suggests some ways to respond.

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.

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 describes the difference between interests and positions and explains how one enhances collaboration while the other limits it.

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 tip Craig explores how kindness contributes to good group decision making.

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 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 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 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 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 tip Craig distills classic expertise on leadership into five key practices, and explains how leadership can be practiced from anywhere in the group.

In this tip Craig offers compassionate, practical advice for one of the hardest things groups can do: let something go.

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 inclusive conversations, Craig distinguishes between "talking" and "contributing" and outlines three practical advantages of good listening.

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 tip about team emotional intelligence Craig offers practical advice to help discern when to fight and when to accept.

Love? In group decision making? Really? Yes. Craig explains in this tip. Bonus: great dialogue and stories in the comments section.

In this tip Craig explains how making amends involves actions, not just words, and how it strengthens the group.

In this tip Craig shares the practical benefits of uplifting others in your group.

In this tip Craig shares three examples of benchmarking methods that groups can use to measure progress toward goals.

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 Craig explains how imposing unwelcome morality, or ignoring agreed morality, can be destructive for groups.

In this tip about inclusive conversations, Craig explains how our initial attitudes can influence ultimate outcomes.

In this tip about group process and practice, Craig explains how to use a multi-vote technique to establish group priorities.

In this tip about team emotional intelligence, Craig describes the benefits of treating each participant's perspective as their truth.

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 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.

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 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 tip about group process and practice, Craig outlines three steps to take when we are unhappy or disappointed with our group, organization, or government.

In this tip Craig offers practical guidance for groups where dominant voices are preventing inclusive conversations.

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 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 tip Craig reframes changes of mind as potential strengths, not invariable weaknesses. He offers practical advice on considering all angles, for groups and individuals.

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 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 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 group process and practice, Craig explains how to make decisions with multiple interests in mind - and cultivate win-win outcomes.

Feeling stuck or uncertain? In this tip Craig describes how outside influences can bring inspiration or affirmation to a group.

In this tip Craig explains how outside issues can impact group dynamics, and offers practical steps to help the group move forward.

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 tip about group process and practice, Craig discusses the value of post-process review and explains a simple but effective technique.

In this tip about team emotional intelligence Craig explains creative ways to propel momentum with positive feedback.

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.

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 discusses the profound advantages of a reflective pause between receiving information and reacting to it.

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 Craig explores how groups can instill a sense of reverence into group decision making - and why it's important.

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 Craig outlines the interplay between rules and relationships in group decision making and offers practical advice for using both.

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 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 practical advice for creating a group process that allows a clear decision to become self-evident.

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 explores sources of conflict and outlines a practical step to clarify expectations and minimize conflict.

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 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 reflects on the practical benefits of setting achievable goals, especially when morale could use a boost.

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 tip Craig offers practical advice for stakeholder participation in group decision making.

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 encourages us to make room for our stories in our group decision making, and explains how stories bring us to deeper understanding.

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.

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 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.

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 tip Craig offers compassionate, practical advice for groups experiencing anxiety over things undone.

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.

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 tip Craig explores the difference between understanding a situation and solving a problem, and offers advice to groups to help build understanding first.

In this tip Craig explores a foundational principle of good group decision making and discusses the practical benefits of this approach.

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 tip Craig explains the importance of knowing the next step, and how it can provide momentum for a stuck group.

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.

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.

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.