Then, everybody returns to the whole group to discuss their ideas. If time is short, you can limit the discussion to just the positive things – the “Do’s” (those inside the circles) or the “Don’ts” (outside the circles).

The activity finishes with a discussion of their rules, focusing on areas where all the groups agree. Attempt to resolve areas where there is little agreement. Unresolved areas should be put off for later discussion as “voting” will cause bad feelings and dissention within the group.

After the negotiation, someone can take all the sheets of paper and combine the rules. These should be given to all participants and displayed in an obvious spot.

The group needs to decide on their own 'bottom-line' ground rules, but here are some suggestions:

Ground Rules

  1. We believe that everyone is responsible for his/her own actions.
  2. We will help each other in every way. This means everyone working together for the good of the project and each person in it, including giving and receiving feedback, joint decision-making, and support.
  3. We believe in a policy of non-violence. Everyone has the right to live without verbal, physical or emotional abuse.
  4. Everyone is a learner, whatever their role in the project.
  5. We believe that everyone has a right to feel good about themselves and what they do.
  6. We believe in equal opportunities for everybody.
(http://www.saqnet.co.uk/users/moostuff/collab/index.htm)