Foundation Process 7

Ritualised Communication & Meeting Norms

Overview

Predictable, repeatable communication patterns that embed psychological safety into everyday operations.

Purpose

To reduce interpersonal risk, create consistency across teams, and ensure behaviour holds under pressure.

Steps

1. Establish shared rituals
   Check‑ins, structured rounds, decision protocols.
2. Apply them consistently
   Especially during conflict or urgency.
3. Use inclusive facilitation
   Ensure all voices are heard.
4. Protect the norms
   Intervene when behaviours drift.
5. Review and refine
   Adapt rituals as the team evolves.

Indicators of Good Practice

• Meetings feel predictable and fair
• Dominant voices don’t crowd out others
• Conflict is handled safely

Common Failure Modes

• Rituals used only when convenient
• Facilitators avoiding intervention
• Rituals becoming performative

When to Use

• All recurring meetings
• Decision‑making forums
• Conflict‑prone environments

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