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Author: Dragonfly Partners

SKILLS FOR EFFECTIVE GROUP PROCESS for Multiracial Groups



Guidelines are for individual team members, each of whom needs to take responsibility for the effectiveness of the team.

Many groups get stuck in conversations related to race and racism and interconnected systems of oppression, particularly when the group is multiracial and there are concerns about safety and the possibility of causing harm.  While it is important to understand the power dynamics inherent in cross-racial interaction, it is also helpful to adhere to these 8 communication guidelines, to create an equitable, trusting environment in which all team members are free to express themselves openly.

  1. Build on what others say.  It will take listening.
  2. Ask curious questions that demonstrate interest.  Address the person you are asking by name.
  3. Scan the group regularly: notice others’ interest and participation.  Invite others to engage.
  4. Be willing to be influenced by others (on your opinions, perspective, etc.). Let others know that they have shifted your point of view.
  5. Take your share of airtime.  No more, and no less.  Approximately 1/10th of the airtime belongs to you in a group of 10 people. If you aren’t participating, why are you there? Notice if you’re taking your time. Do it with awareness. Know if you’re giving up your airtime or using more than your airtime. Avoid getting in the habit of taking more or less than your time.
  6. Pay attention to your level of engagement; if you are highly invested or disengaged, take responsibility to ask for or provide a time boundary for the discussion.
  7. Mine for interests underlying fixed positions, especially if the other person’s position provokes your reactivity.  Ask what about this they care about, what especially matters to them.
  8. Don’t engage in sidebar conversations; it pulls energy away from connection