An effective way to apply this principle is to use proven group involvement techniques to ensure the desired climate. The Lasso exercise helps clarify what different words mean to different people surrounding sensitive issues. The affinity diagram allows many ideas to emerge in a nonthreatening environment . Another excellent tool to keep before the group at all times is a poster of group developed ground rules for meetings. Membership on an Advisory Council should be diverse.
Individuals come with different values, agendas, and experiences.
While this is a good thing, it is sometimes challenging for the Extension leader to manage. This principle usually comes into play around highly sensitive issues where the stakes are high and the players have turf to protect. The Extension leader has to surface all the varying opinions and viewpoints, manage a productive discussion in a nonthreatening environment, and move the group to consensus. When this situation exists, the meeting needs to be carefully planned. Tools from CQI, such as affinity and force field analysis, are very useful.