"Group facilitation is the art of guiding the group process toward the agreed objectives. A facilitator guides the process and does not get involved in content. A facilitator intervenes to protect the group process and to keep the group on track to fulfill its task."
The Art of Facilitation: How to Create Group Synergy, by Dale Hunter, Anne Bailey, Bill Taylor
When to Use the Services of a Facilitator
CEOs, leaders and managers recognize that the best decisions are not only the right decisions, but ones that are greeted with maximum acceptance, if not enthusiasm, from those expected to implement them. By fostering a high level of participation by all meeting attendees, creating an open atmosphere, helping a group work through conflict, and exploring numerous possibilities and opportunities, a facilitator can help groups make decisions that are as appropriate and as widely accepted as possible.
Often, the presence of an independent facilitator lifts a burden off the shoulders of traditional process leaders like a CEO or the Chair of the Board. Freed from sole responsibility for leading the meeting process, group leaders can then focus on the agenda content and participate more fully in the decision-making.
Typical situations or needs for which the services of a facilitator are particularly valuable include:
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strategic planning; |
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creative idea generation / "brainstorming"; |
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organizational change; |
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partnership- or team-building; |
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project and action planning; |
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meetings that require maximum input and participation; |
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policy development; |
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consensus building; |
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problem solving; |
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risk assessment; |
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retreats. |
Susan Mogensen is an IAF Certified Professional Facilitator with a strong commitment to helping groups achieve results. If you think your organization, department, or business could benefit from a facilitated meeting, contact Susan Mogensen at Brown Dog Consulting at (613) 833-DOG-4, or toll-free at 1-877-847-4552.
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