Protocol15 Core Facilitation Principles

Primary Facilitation Principle

One shared ranking requires a real group decision. The facilitator uses the choices, disagreements, and turning points behind that decision in the debrief. The reference comparison adds another perspective; it is not a verdict on teamwork.

Shared Control Mechanic

Teams work on one shared ranking list. Only one participant can actively edit the list at any given moment. Participants must take control before changing the ranking and release control so others can contribute. This constraint creates concrete moments the facilitator can explore in the debrief; it is not a diagnostic assessment of the team.

The Facilitator Job

• Create a clear frame
• Protect the rules
• Explain that teams use one shared list with one active controller at a time
• Maintain time pressure
• Observe decision dynamics
• Avoid biasing the discussion
• Help the group reflect after the reveal

What Facilitators Should Avoid

• Do not reveal Reference Rankings during gameplay
• Do not validate team answers too early
• Do not explain survival logic before submission
• Do not rescue teams from disagreement too quickly
• Do not describe the activity as independent individual rankings unless you are adding that step outside the app
• Do not let one participant dominate without noticing
• Do not turn the game into a lecture

What Facilitators Should Encourage

• Clear reasoning
• Participation from quieter members
• Healthy disagreement
• Evidence-based persuasion
• Awareness of assumptions
• Reflection after decisions are made