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Facilitation

Facilitation Basics

 

A good facilitator is a helper and enabler. The facilitators do NOT become the leader of the team - they are neutral – they do not express their opinion of the statements that are made (with some exceptions).  It is not the facilitator's job to make decisions - that is the team's job.  Facilitators concentrate on helping all team members reach an understanding of each point of view before allowing members to pass judgment.  The facilitator manages the process, and lets the participants manage the content.

 

Process:

 

How things are discussed – the methods, procedures, and format of the meeting – the climate that is established – the group dynamics. Processes are often ignored in meetings as people concentrate on the content.  That's why the facilitator role is so important - to help the team follow a process and reach success

 

Content;

 

Meetings are held for many different reasons - to provide or gather informaiton. even to celebrate a success!  The content of these meetings is determined by the team or team leader.  They approach the meeting with a result in mind - that is the content that needs to be covered.  The facilitator does not normally have input on content, but does have the responsibiolty for the content to be covered successfully (and on time!)

 

I have developed a short class to provide help/exercises/resources for employees who find themselves in charge of a meeting.  The class centers around methods for making meetings function more effectively by:

 

 

  • Helping the group to define its goals and objectives
  • Helping the group to use their time more effectively
  • Guiding group discussions to keep them on track
  • Providing for accurate record keeping
  • Making sure that each member has the opportunity to be heard
  • Making sure that active listening and feedback are integral to the process
  • Making sure that all opinions are taken into account
  • Managing conflict
  • Helping the group to communicate more effectively
  • Helping the group to access needed resources
  • Creating an environment where members enjoy a positive experience while they work to attain their goals.

 

 If you'd like more information, just contact me!