In principle, they say a horse runs best when loose in the harness. It helps if someone has the reins. It helps to have a good communication link between the driver and the horse, a way to send messages. It helps that the horse has boundaries, not unbridled freedom. Yet within the harness the horse runs free.
Groups work best when loose within structure. A group’s harness is made of ground rules, the agenda, and maybe a facilitator, chair, or coach.
Practical Tip: As the group leader or facilitator, be firm about the decision making or meeting structure. Send clear messages to guide behavior. Yet within the discipline that you establish, encourage your team to go wild. Give your group some slack. Giddy-up.
– Craig Freshley
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