The Quaker business method: A guide to participation

This page provides an essential guide on how to participate effectively in a Quaker Business meeting, as discerned from a session held by the Quakers and Business Group in Edinburgh in August 2013. The core of this method is the practice of setting aside personal will to seek the collective sense of the group, fostering a unique form of decision making grounded in integrity in business and workplace values.

Key principles in effective participation

Embrace the silence: Start by gathering in silence, setting aside personal ego and prepare to listen deeply to others. A period of silence between contributions allows everyone to absorb what has been said and to speak concisely from the heart. When you feel the need to speak either stand or, if in a small group or online, raise your hand.
Contribute thoughtfully: Speak only when you feel a genuine need to contribute something new, and from your heart and personal experience. Avoid repeating points already made and let go of the need to be called on for every thought you have.
Listen with respect: Listen to others without interruption, even if you disagree. The focus is on seeking collective truth rather than engaging in direct debate.
The role of the clerk: The clerk, or facilitator, is responsible for guiding the meeting. They will introduce business items and may interupt if the discussion becomes unproductive, and ask for a period of silence. The clerk’s role is to capture the “sense of the meeting” in a minute, which is a summary of the group’s collective decision.

Reaching a decision

The goal of the Quaker Business Method is to achieve unity – not merely unanimity. The clerk will draft a minute in silence to reflect the group’s shared direction. This minute is then read aloud for the group’s approval. If you feel an amendment is needed, you can speak to propose it. The group works together to refine the minute until a collective sense is reached. New ideas are not introduced at this stage; only clarifications and minor changes are permitted to ensure the minute accurately reflects the unified decision.

This process fosters a supportive community where participants work together for shared purposes, even if individual desires are not met. It is an exercise in setting a side personal disappointment and trusting that the collective discernment is for the greater good.