The Art of Facilitation

Facilitation is truly an art. It forces those involved in the process to become experts while the lead facilitator guides the discussion. The following information is provided from Like Minded People, a corporate training form based out of Indianapolis. 1. The facilitator leads discussion but does not dominate. 2. The facilitator is knowledgeable enough about a topic to be able to provide guiding questions. 3. The facilitator is not an answer provider, but rather a tour guide who brings the group to find the answer themselves. 4. The facilitator promotes the concept of " safe space ". Opinions, particularly based on more " sensitive " topics could vary. It is important to remember that opinions are not " right " or " wrong ". The facilitator may find that she/he needs to assist group participants in determining their opinions. With this in mind, probing questions become more important. 5. It is vital that you have some " probing questions " ready in the case that the participants are less than vocal. Asking them questions may get their thoughts going more around a topic. Coming into the facilitation session with this questions in your mind or on paper can be helpful in making sure that discussion happens. Facilitation requires an understanding of the following: Community – what are the guiding norms of the community with whom you are facilitating a discussion? Facilitation creates the time and space that honors the voices of individuals as people and members of a group. Observation – The facilitator becomes a guide on the journey with the group. By observing and reflecting while facilitating a discussion, the facilitator can support the group and notice what contributions she or he may need to make to assist participants in arriving at a turning point. Flexibility – Facilitators must be ready for non-linear discussion. People may go around and around. They may sit back and relax, but then all of a sudden become incredibly engaged. When facilitators are flexible, they can best guide discussion.