All members of the New Horizon Unified School District administrative team have arrived in the conference room for a 9:00 a.m. meeting. Coffee, juice, and bagels are available as members of the group share personal greetings, informal conversation and some "light" business with colleagues before choosing a spot at the conference table in anticipation of a 9:15 a.m. start of the business portion of the meeting.
The meeting is called to order by the curriculum director for the district. She reminds everyone that it is her turn to moderate and that the record of the meeting will be kept by the superintendent this time. Others are reminded of their prior assignments as timekeeper and clarifier. (a clarifier checks for understanding with the group as appropriate.) The group is reminded to review the "ground rules" (which are displayed on a professionally prepared poster in the room). Each participant sets a personal goal for participation in the meeting.
During the meeting, some decisions are made by the group using a consensus decision-making model. (The decision-making model used and a definition of consensus is displayed in the room in a prominent location.) Disagreement about the role of the Staff Development Committee in support of district action planning is noted, and an agenda item for the next meeting regarding this issue is created. The superintendent suggests that the chairperson of the committee be invited to participate in the next meeting. Discussion about the suggestion reveals that the group is not ready to debate this issue with visitors in the room.
Nearing the end time for the meeting, the participants reflect on their performance as a collaborative group. After confirming the next agenda, they decide who will moderate, take notes, and act as clarifier at the next meeting. As they depart, a sign near the door reminds everyone that "no gossiping" is the norm for the group.
What understandings and agreements does this group have in place?
What is significant about how the meeting starts and ends? Are these things important?
What do you surmise about the role of the superintendent in this team?
Why would a team work to establish this type of culture?