Facilitation
Facilitation is a process which helps a group of people understand their common objectives and assists them in planning to achieve them. Without taking a particular position in the discussion, the Facilitator works with the group to achieve consensus, which offers a strong basis for future action. Norm has been facilitating small and large groups for over 25 years, including for the Young Presidents’ Organization.
Facilitation Steps
Prior to meeting:
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- Research the meeting
- Determine the purpose/goal of the meeting
- Establish who needs to attend
- Draft agenda and design effective/relevant group processes
- Share agenda with potential attendees, modifying as necessary
- Ensure attendees are fully briefed for the meeting, including knowing the purpose and potential consequences of the meeting
During meeting:
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- Create and maintain a safe environment
- Monitor the agenda
- Keep time
- Manage group processes
- Encourage participation from all attendees
- Help participants understand different points of view
- Foster solutions that incorporate diverse points of view
- Manage participant behavior
- Teach new thinking skills and facilitate structured thinking activities
- Record agreements
- Note unresolved issues for later consideration
Following meeting:
- Write up and share the results of the meeting and determine next steps.