Videos
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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
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.
A problem defined is half-solved
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 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 explains a simple trick to build credibility and strengthen relations with others.
In this video about group process and practice, Craig explains three reasons why agenda items should have times assigned.
Agendas with end times are efficient
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.
Align purpose, technique, attitude
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.
Alignment between words and deeds builds trust
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 video Craig explains two principles for successful group process: formal full commitment to participation, and formal votes bookending the process.
Are you listening? Four levels of proof
In this video about team emotional intelligence, Craig outlines four ways to prove that you are listening (or not).
In this video Craig cautions how our biases can prevent us from making good group decisions.
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 video Craig emphasizes the value of in-person conversations and argues that exchanging business cards improves conversation.
In this video Craig explains why we make categorical judgments and warns us about how they can impede good group decision making.
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.
Cheap fiction or great literature?
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.
Choices are never perfect, choose anyway
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 video Craig explains the paramount role of "citizen" in a democracy, and how the politicians actually work for "us."
In this video, inspired by roadside signs he's passing by, Craig explains why broad participation helps community groups reach peaceful solutions.
In this video, Craig shares a parable about how having a higher purpose can inspire an organization and each of its people.
In this video, Craig encourages board members to connect with the mission of their organization by getting out and seeing the work first-hand.
Craig’s Ground Rules for Conflict Resolution
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.
Don’t leave me hanging! – Advice for e-communication
In this video Craig highlights the downsides of ghosting someone in the middle of a conversation.
In this video, Craig explains a simple technique to make sure everyone has shared understanding of a group decision.
In this video, Craig explains why empathy and respect are so important for inclusive conversations, especially difficult conversations with potential adversaries.
In this video about collaboration, Craig explains three key ingredients for getting and keeping volunteers.
Everyone’s job is no one’s job
In this video, Craig shares a tip to improve collaboration and help groups effectively carry out their work.
Face-to-face is still the best
In this video Craig argues for the value of face-to-face conversations when you want to make good group decisions.
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 video about team emotional intelligence, Craig discusses how leaders (and others) can harness the power of feedback.
Femaleadership – Benefits of Women in Leadership
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.
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 video about group process and practice, Craig reflects on groups that are tempted to "go big or go home" and offers a creative alternative that might be even more effective. Bonus: join Craig on a beautiful stroll through Ghent, Belgium!
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.
Good Group Tips in the Jury Room
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 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 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.
How to build community – Food!
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.
How to decide what you don’t decide
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.
In this video Craig tells a little story and explains how value is often unrelated to the amount of time spent.
How to facilitate meetings – Four Essential Functions
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.
How to Form a Committee – 5 Essentials
In this video about group process and practice, Craig outlines five simple but essential steps to effectively kick off a committee's work.
How to get a group to cut down a list
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.
How to get movement in a meeting
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.
In this video Craig explains what to consider when you see someone break a rule, and the choices you have.
How to handle the person who talks too much
As a group leader how do you manage a conversation that one person is dominating? In this video Craig explains and demonstrates a technique.
How to handle when someone walks out
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.
How to have an effective meeting – the basics
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.
How to help have a great meeting – Responsibility for Attitude
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.
How to make decisions in small groups – Mini-Multi-Vote
In this video Craig explains specific steps for how to do a multi-vote among a group of people around a table.
In this video about group process and practice, Craig explains a key technique for getting unstuck when your group is having trouble moving on.
How to NOT be invisible in meetings
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.
How to prevent conflict – Build Shared Understanding
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.
How to show the big picture – Use a Handout
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 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.
How to Use Microphones for Group Interaction
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 cautions against blaming others for things not right, and the inefficiencies that can result.
In this video Craig explains how releasing ourselves from a focus on credit and blame can be very freeing for our group.
If you could have a superpower
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.
If your glass is half empty, get a smaller glass
In this video Craig explains the value of positive thinking and the choices we have aboutr that.
Interest-Based Bargaining: A Creative Approach to Collective Bargaining
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.
Intergenerational Communications – How to talk about it
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.
Is it okay to shut someone down?
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.
Is your idea worthy of group time?
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.
It’s the planning, not the plan
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.
Jokes and Sarcasm Reveal Character and Culture
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.
Keep your strategic plan off the shelf
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!
Key ingredients for collaboration (it’s way more than IT)
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.
Leadership is inspiring, not requiring
After spotting a Stephen Covey quote, Craig shares his belief that leadership is more about inspiration than about demands or requirements.
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.
Learn about somebody different
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.
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.
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.
Long term collaboration needs special effort
In this video Craig explains how takling the time to coordinate planning with other departments or organizations is a worthy investment.
Make deposits before withdrawals
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.
Troubled by the political divide in Maine and across the country, Craig hosted a Make Shift Coffee House to help people understand each other. You can learn about it at MakeShiftCoffeeHouse.com and find links to a news article, a radio show podcast, comments from people who attended, and links to resources about how to understand each ...read more
Make the most of your pre-meeting
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.
Many presentations quick? How to do that!
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!
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 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.
Meeting Room First Impressions Matter
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.
Meeting Room Set Up – Jamestown, Rhode Island
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 video Craig encourages men to be restrained in meetings to make room for women to speak up.
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 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.
No one’s writing anything down!
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 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.
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.
People are complicated and colorful
In this video Craig provides three downsides to applying a label to a person and over-simplifying who they really are.
Providing structure provides fairness
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!
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 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.
Robert’s Rules of Order – Key Principles Explained
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 Craig explains how the best Chair persons are those willing to serve the group; willing to set up the chairs.
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 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.
Seven Secrets for Successful Meetings
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.
Should facilitators make suggestions?
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 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.
Six Simple Ground Rules for a Civil Conversation
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.
Someone Neutral in Charge of the Process
In this video Craig outlines three benefits of separating the process (the way decisions are made) from the substance (what actually gets decided).
Strong Decisions Vs. Weak Decisions
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 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.
Take breaks to make more of your meeting
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 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 Craig explains that we teach each other by being good examples and we we learn not just from books, but from each other.
That’s the way it looks from here
In this video about collaboration, Craig explains the magic of the phrase "That's the way it looks from here."
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Three Ways to Keep Your Plan Alive
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 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.
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.
Tips for Running Effective Meetings
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.
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.
Two Conditions for Conflict Resolution
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.
Understanding and Trust: Both Required
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.
Understanding is always partial
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.
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.
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”.
What is a Good Group Decision?
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 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.
When someone throws a brick at you
In this video Craig outlines the choices we have when we are insulted or unfairly criticized.
When to unpack conflict as a group
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.
When you speak from personal experience
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.
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".
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.
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.
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.
