Technology has profoundly changed the way we communicate, both personally and professionally. Group chats are a prime example. They are now omnipresent in our daily lives, whether in the context of a business, training or even a school. Yet navigating these collective conversations while remaining personal can be complex. How to reconcile the interest of the group and the individuality of each person? How do you manage the constant flow of information without being overwhelmed? How to respect the rules in force while promoting open and authentic communication? We invite you to explore these questions in this article.
The importance of respecting the rules in group chats
Respecting the rules is essential in any situation where we communicate in a group. This is particularly true in group chats, where information can travel very quickly and reach a large number of people. The rules may concern the use of messages, the duration of exchanges, the behavior to adopt, etc. They make it possible to maintain a certain order and coherence in discussions.
The rules in force can be defined by the group itself, by the company, the establishment or the service that organizes the chat, or by law, particularly in the fight against moral harassment. They must be clearly indicated and regularly reminded to all participants.
In the context of national education, for example, the code of conduct may stipulate that students must respect their peers and teachers, not use inappropriate language, not share illegal content, etc. In a company, internal regulations may prohibit the dissemination of messages of a discriminatory or defamatory nature, the disclosure of confidential information, etc.
Managing collective conversations: a challenge for staff
In a group chat, everyone can talk to everyone, which can sometimes create some confusion. The staff responsible for managing chats must therefore demonstrate great vigilance and a great capacity for adaptation.
First of all, it is essential to ensure that everyone can express themselves and are listened to. It can be useful to introduce speaking turns, regularly remind all participants of the importance of mutual respect, etc.
Then, you must be able to quickly spot any problems that could arise. This could be a conflict between two participants, inappropriate content being broadcast, a person feeling harassed, etc. Staff must then intervene appropriately, respecting everyone’s rights and ensuring that a climate of trust and respect is maintained.
Finally, staff must be trained in the use of chat tools. They should know how to moderate discussions, how to manage privacy settings, how to use search features, etc.
How to stay personal while participating in collective conversations?
Participating in collective conversations, whether at work, school or professional training, does not mean giving up your individuality. On the contrary, each person has their own voice, their own opinions, their own experiences, and it is important that they can express them.
To do this, it can be useful to regularly remind all participants that they are free to express their ideas, provided of course that they respect the rules in force and other participants. It can also be beneficial to encourage exchanges between participants, promote diversity of points of view, etc.
In addition, it is essential to ensure the protection of personal data. Each participant should have the ability to control what information they share, choose who can see it, etc.
The key role of school leaders and team members
School leaders and team members play a crucial role in implementing and monitoring group chats. They are responsible for defining the rules, their dissemination, their application, staff training, incident management, etc.
They must listen to participants, be available to answer their questions, to help them in the event of a problem, etc. They must also be able to make decisions quickly and in an informed manner, taking into account the interest of the group and of each person.
Conclusion & Opinion
In conclusion, group chats are a powerful communication tool, which offers many possibilities but which also requires a certain mastery. It is essential to respect the rules in force, to ensure the quality of exchanges, and to allow each person to express themselves while respecting others. School leaders and team members have a key role to play in ensuring these chats run smoothly.
Group chats are an essential reality of our time. They are present in almost every aspect of our lives, whether in our work, our training or our education. Navigating these collective conversations while remaining personal is a challenge, but it is also a tremendous opportunity for learning, exchange and sharing. By following the rules in force, respecting each person and being open, we can all help to make group chats a respectful and enriching communication tool.
