Developing and Utilizing Protocols to Guide Discussion

One way to focus and engage colleagues in collaborative discussion is to utilize topic specific protocols.  If purposefully designed, a protocol can be used to keep dialogue centered and offer everyone an equal opportunity to participate in conversation.

Consider the following when developing protocols for collaborative work:

1. Set a purpose for discussion –Time is precious. Define the purpose for collaboration and develop a guide that will lead to purposeful, meaningful discussion.
2. Decide what is most important – When outlining timelines for conversation, be sure that participants are spending the majority of time on the most important issues.
3. Ask the right questions – When developing a protocol, be sure to ask critical questions, those that get to the heart of the issue you wish to discuss.   
4. Round it Up –Discussions are best when everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute. Segment your protocols into “rounds” giving all participants an opening for commentary.
5. Leave room for learning – End the discussion with a reflection round, giving colleagues time to share what they have learned from one another.
6. A place for notes – Always leave space for notes so that participants can document their learning and other highlights of the discussion.

Once you have created a protocol, it is time to put it into action.  Assigning roles such as facilitator, time keeper and recorder can be helpful.  The facilitator is put in charge of asking questions and engaging individuals throughout each round.  The time keeper keeps the group on task, while the recorder stays busy jotting notes throughout the conversation.  Utilizing a protocol may feel awkward at first, but with practice, it can be an efficient and powerful way to facilitate meaningful, collaborative discussion.