Any time you make a statement or propose a process, give the group an opportunity to respond. Don’t assume they are with you; take the time to ask.

Examples:

• “Do you agree?”
• “Alright?”
• “Okay?”

A powerful way of checking is to look for the negative. Make silence a sign of confirmation. Rather than saying, “Do you all agree with me?” you could ask:

• “Are there any objections?”
• “If there are no objections, we’ll move on to …”
• “Is there anyone who can’t live with that decision?”