Effective group communication

Three general categories have been identified as critical to successful group communication.
1. Commitment – members integrity and leadership qualities.
2. Communication – discussion, listening, and facilitation.
3. Organisation – setting ground rules for communication, decision making, meeting structure and record keeping.

Commitment
“A group isn’t so much about issues as it is about relationships.” Landcare groups can typically bring individuals together with adversarial views. Overcoming differences and working towards a common goal requires an inordinate commitment of time and effort on the part of all participants. A successful group demands integrity, honesty, openness and respect from all group members.

Member integrity is essentially a personal value, and is therefore difficult to define. However the following will help members evaluate their own and others’ performance. Traits of group members displaying integrity: Respectful of others
-Listens and learns
-Willing to expose own vulnerability and weakness
-Willing to set and follow rules
-Considers new ideas and approaches
-Has sincere concern for the issue(s)
-Commits time and resource to the group
-Sticks it out over the long haul
-Is a team player

In addition, many groups find it useful to develop ethical guidelines or rules to guide member interactions.

Sample guidelines as developed by groups:
-Express intentions and agendas honestly and openly.
-Respect the views and interest of the others.
-Do not make disparaging remarks about others, organisations or the meeting itself.
-Listen to others – especially those most opposed to you.
-Avoid side conversations.
-Selective distribution of material and side conversations are unacceptable.
-Group materials are open to anyone, whether or not they are group members.
-Be specific from the start about objectives – do not create false expectations.
-Be committed to the success of the program.
-Do what you say you will do.
-Express needs not positions.
-Encourage involvement in the group.