Coming across the Pacman rule

I've been running events and meetups since around 2010, but I haven't come across the 'Pacman rule' before, as blogged by Eric Holscher.

It's a simple rule to follow, to make it easier for new people to join groups, and generally help make events feel nicer for first timers:

The rule is quite simply stated:

When standing as a group of people, always leave room for 1 person to join your group.

More memorably, stand like Pac-Man!

The new person, who has been given permission to join your group, will gather up the courage, and join you! Another important point, the group should now readjust to leave another space for a new person.

Leaving room for new people when standing in a group is a physical way to show an inclusive and welcoming environment. It reduces the feeling of there being cliques, and allows people to integrate themselves into the community.

So simple, and easy to try out - I think I'll give it a go at the next event I'm organising.

BTW, the original post is a fast, easy read - go check it out.