The goal of these guidelines is to help create a safe context for discussions and encourage everyone to fully participate in finding workable solutions for all involved.

• Know your point of view and be willing to own it--take responsibility for it.

• Acknowledge that your issues are your own. Make "I" statements rather than "you" statements.

• Speak from a win-win perspective. Examine your motives when angry or defensive. Do you want everyone to walk away feeling ok?

• Please come to the discussion with the point of view that we are all OK--that I am no better than you and you are no better than me.

• Be willing to listen and ask questions to determine another's viewpoint. Don't interrupt.

• Commit to resolving a conflict or to making a firm date to resolve a conflict. Don't leave it hanging.

• Be willing to know and share what's really going on for you. To the extent we all share our true feelings others will feel safe doing the same and we can get to know each other better, faster.