Which step in meeting facilitation involves describing how the meeting will be run, and how decisions will be made?

• A. 2: Define objectives
• B. 3: Establish ground rules
• C. 1: Set the agenda
• D. 4: Assign roles

Answer: (B)

Establishing ground rules is the step that describes how the meeting will be run and how decisions will be made. It sets the process for the session—how discussions unfold, how decisions are reached (for example, by consensus or majority vote), timekeeping, speaking order, handling interruptions, and how notes and action items are recorded. By agreeing on these rules at the start, everyone knows what to expect and the facilitator can guide the meeting smoothly, ensuring fair participation and a clear path to closure.

Defining objectives focuses on what the meeting aims to achieve, not the process. Setting the agenda concentrates on the topics, their order, and time allotted for each item. Assigning roles covers who does what (facilitator, note-taker, timekeeper, etc.). Ground rules specifically govern the interaction and decision-making mechanics that structure the entire session.