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Structure sets you free

Good Group Tips

In principle, decision-making structure consists of things like rules, agendas, mandates, and plans; when these things frame our choices it frees us to focus on the substance of our work.

A third-grade teacher once explained that when she decides where the kids are to sit in the classroom this does not take away their freedom, but actually frees them from the burden of having to decide this for themselves (a potentially large burden for a third grader). It frees them to focus on math, history, and art.

Establishing a firm structure allows maximum creativity within the structure. Knowing there’s a container provides safety and encourages risk taking. Lack of structure fosters anxiety and encourages caution. Lack of structure causes inefficiency; it requires a group to go over the same ground over and over again.

Practical Tip: Establish decision-making rules in your group and make it someone’s responsibility to enforce them. Make sure everyone understands and agrees to the rules before you decide other things.

When your group takes up a complex decision, break it into pieces with a timeline for deciding each piece. Focus on one piece at a time. As you near decisions, narrow choices to a small number of alternatives.

Be bold in enforcing your structure…and go wild within it.

– Craig Freshley

Click here for one-page PDF of this Tip, a great way to print or share.

4 thoughts on “Structure sets you free

  1. a great reminder to those of us who like to “wing” it that there is true value to be gained by taking a few minutes to agree on group processes

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