Empathic Grounding

Dissolve the bond
Maintain the bond
Repair the bond
Calm
Deconstruct (oneself)
Empower
Take care
Talk

Goals:

During tensions or conflicts, this protocol proposes a levelling of perspectives through the voicing of each opinion — without going into responses.

Participants:

2 à 6, 7 à 15

Duration:

30'

Required equipment:

Note taking material. A timer

Space requierment:

Any area in which the group can discuss.

Requirements:

None, as long as the protocol is introduced by specifying that the facilitator is not trained to resolve conflicts and is applying the protocol on an equal footing with everyone else.

Preparation

The facilitator guides the group through the protocol, reading and then carrying out each point, one after the other. She notes the ideas that emerge from the group on a sheet.

Process

Sometimes, different perspectives emerge in a conflicting way during a creative process or collaboration, to the point where someone might feel offended or hurt.
Often, we engage in dialogue or exchange with interrupted speech, using phrases like "no, but" that dismiss previously shared viewpoints.
The Empathic Grounding Protocol proposes to make all perspectives heard without revisiting or challenging them. It is an exercise in empathetic listening that does not require someone to "win" by being right.
This grounding process can be deeply restorative and can help resolve tensions. It creates a safe and confidential space for free expression, fostering empathetic listening and tension resolution.

Individual Reflection:
Each person reflects for 1 minute on what they want to share about their feelings or experiences within the group (the facilitator keeps time).

Individual Expression:
Each person speaks for 3 to 7 minutes about their feelings or experiences within the group, preferably using "I-messages": "I feel sad because...", "I feel bitter because..." (the facilitator also keeps time).
- We speak in "I" statements; we do not settle scores.
- Everything said here is confidential.
- Nothing shared here can be used against anyone.
- Computers and phones are turned off. The space is offered without sarcasm or ironical comments .
- A new person joining the group never starts first and may choose not to speak at all. A person who does not wish to speak may remain silent.
- When the person speaking has finished, even before the time is up, they can say “I’m done.”
- Other members listen without making any comments (even positive ones). They can simply respond with “Thank you.”

Notes

Tried and tested during a very complicated and fairly heated creative process (2020), this protocol helped to reduce tensions and create a better mutual understanding.

References

Thanks to Roberta Alberico for this tool.