“Step up, step back.” My colleague Kat Phillips at OHSU recently introduced me to this facilitation groundrule. When Kat facilitates a kickoff, she suggests to the new group that reluctant speakers resolve to step up and talk even when that is not comfortable for them. Meanwhile, people who naturally dominate discussions, whether by personality or position, should intentionally step back to make room for others. Discussing “step up, step back” at the start helps the group take long-term ownership of their dynamics. Using the phrase makes it memorable. Thanks, Kat!
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