Question for Looby - peopling in a permaculture way

I almost posted "Managing people in a permaculture way" but I don't like the idea of "managing" people, I feel closer to the idea of wanting to interact with them in a mutually productive, mutually giving way. I have an opportunity coming up to help work with a group of people to restore a patch of land for mutual benefit, education and relaxation. Not socializing much in my normal day to day life, I'd like to know if there are any tips or tools for facilitating groups of people in a permacultural process, because I feel I need some help in this area.

Thank you for any insights you can offer!

I've been meeting with a couple different groups and it seem there is always someone who wants to be in charge. I've heard one of them derisively called "Queen" because of the strict rules she has established. They claim to want to accomplish things through consensus , but then make a decision about some thing that has not even been brought up let alone been discussed. I don't want to be in charge , but I would like to have input.

Jerry

Yes, that's the idea, encouraging and facilitating, without bossing or being "The Queen!"

Welcome, Looby. It's so funny how, just what you are thinking about, turns up in your in-box the same day! In this case it was building out zones for people to use as a model. I'm thinking that's what your book is about. Seriously, I can't wait to read your book and use it! Looking forward to conversations about it.

Certainly the ideas are to empower people and allow successsion in groups so that people are all able to contribute and expand their skill base. This can be from having a rotating faciliator role where people are trained and supported. This allows us to have more than one element for important functions. My book covers different meeting and decision making techniques that encourage more equal participation. It is also useful for us to look at ourselves and are own patterns of behaviour in groups. I have explored ways of creating synergetic productive groups. It is certainly important for us to learn to do this as we can achieve so much more together, and we are constantly being in groups - whether they are family, in the workplace or for a voluntary cause.

Thank you Looby and others for your thoughts.