The group that is properly set-up and operating can save hours of group time. Once the group members know and trust one another it is necessary to identify the specific group tasks that need to be accomplished and to establish ground rules such as kind of meeting, meeting arrangements, expectations of members, and requirements for membership in the group. The accurate recording of minutes can be achieved by using group-memory techniques. Decision-making by consensus is a useful strategy in arriving at good solutions and strong implementation efforts because of the involvement of group members. An effective group environment includes the physical surroundings and a general climate of informality, friendliness, and trust. Facilitator guidelines, worksheets, and exercises are contained in appendixes. (Author/IRT)