Facilitation - Group Process*
The role of facilitator only emerged as a separate set of skills in the 1980s. It has similarities to the traditional Chair or secretary roles in a meeting but goes beyond them to actively participate and guide the group towards consensus.
Consulting with the client. A facilitator will work with a client who is someone in an organization, or diverse group. They will try to understand the purpose and outcome of the meeting by discussing it with the client.
Making arrangements for the meeting. The practical arrangements will be arranged or managed by the facilitator. They will also consider in detail the location and layout of the room. They will research the meeting beforehand to understand why it is being held and that all stakeholders are invited and able to attend.
Setting the agenda. They will understand in detail how each item on the agenda is to be tackled and how long it should take. Using specialist techniques they will allow participants to understand all the issues at stake and all alternative courses of action.
Understanding group norms. They will not make assumptions about the way people interact and will try to adapt to the ways of different cultures and organizations.
Understanding group process. Whilst tackling the practical aspects of a meeting they remain aware of undercurrents, both verbal and non-verbal, which may indicate problems the group is having. The facilitator may try to assist the group in becoming aware of these.
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* See Wikipedia, Facilitation Business, (as of Apr. 23, 2009, 21:54 GMT).
Consulting with the client. A facilitator will work with a client who is someone in an organization, or diverse group. They will try to understand the purpose and outcome of the meeting by discussing it with the client.
Making arrangements for the meeting. The practical arrangements will be arranged or managed by the facilitator. They will also consider in detail the location and layout of the room. They will research the meeting beforehand to understand why it is being held and that all stakeholders are invited and able to attend.
Setting the agenda. They will understand in detail how each item on the agenda is to be tackled and how long it should take. Using specialist techniques they will allow participants to understand all the issues at stake and all alternative courses of action.
Understanding group norms. They will not make assumptions about the way people interact and will try to adapt to the ways of different cultures and organizations.
Understanding group process. Whilst tackling the practical aspects of a meeting they remain aware of undercurrents, both verbal and non-verbal, which may indicate problems the group is having. The facilitator may try to assist the group in becoming aware of these.
Return to Services
* See Wikipedia, Facilitation Business, (as of Apr. 23, 2009, 21:54 GMT).