The Facilitator’s Compass
This checklist is your guide to cultivating trust, curiosity, and collaboration. Each working agreement is a micro-commitment — a small behavioral anchor that helps teams stay focused, respectful, and creative. These norms are designed to transform ordinary conversations into meaningful connections.
1 Invite Every Voice
Ensure everyone, especially quieter members, has an opportunity to contribute.
Pause and make space for diverse thoughts before responding.
2 No Fixing — Just Exploring
Focus on understanding before solving.
Explore the “why” behind issues rather than rushing to “how” to fix them.
3 Stay Curious, Not Perfect
Stay curious, even when I don’t have all the answers.
It’s okay to say “I don’t know” — learning starts from there.
4 Silence Is Also Participation
Respect moments of silence as part of meaningful contribution.
Value reflection and thinking time equally with speaking time.
5 Bring Your Weird
Allow creativity and playfulness to have space in our discussions.
No idea is dismissed for being too different or “out there.”
6 Challenge with Care
Challenge ideas, not individuals.
Ensure disagreements are guided by curiosity, not competition.
7 Be the Observer, Not Just the Actor
Be aware of my own reactions and the team’s energy during discussions.
Pause to observe before intervening or reacting.
8 One Remote, One Voice
When someone is speaking, they have everyone’s full attention.
Mute distractions — no side-chats, emails, or multitasking.
9 Celebrate Contradictions
Celebrate differing opinions, not avoid them.
Treat conflict as valuable data, not personal opposition.
10 Leave With a Gift
Ensure every retrospective ends with gratitude or a takeaway.
Acknowledge at least one thing I’ve learned, appreciated, or intend to act on.
