FacilitateFacilitate, v. – Syn.

promote, aid, make easy, simplify, help, assist, abet, be of use, help along, boost

Webster’s New World ThesaurusWebster’s New World Thesaurus

The Context for The Context for Facilitative WorkFacilitative Work

PlanThe Work

WorkThe Plan

EvaluateThe Plan & The Work

TakingAction

DecisionMaking

ProblemSolving

TakingAction

DecisionMaking

ProblemSolving

PlanThe Work

WorkThe Plan

EvaluateThe Plan & The Work

CONTENTThe What

(Team Focus)

Subject of discussionTaskProblem being solvedDecision being madeAgenda itemsOutcomes

MethodsProceduresRelationshipsToolsRules / normsDynamicsClimate

PROCESSThe How

(Facilitator Focus)

ProblemSolving

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Agree there is an issue and generate data

Agree to a problem statement.

Describe what, where, when and how much.

Agree to what the cause(s) are.

Agree on criteria used to evaluate solution options.

Generate options.

Agree on value of each option.

Test options against criteria.

Agree on option the group is willing to support.

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ProblemSpace

DecisionSpace

What Facilitators Do ….

“Park” off-topic itemsMake interventions Maintain energySet the toneKeep on track / topicSet the pace / toneSet an exampleDisclose feelingsUse peoples’ namesModel a “Win/Win” attitudeUse Congruent non-verbalsBe conciseBe candidCreate positive atmosphereStay neutral Monitor normsUse tact / discretionClarify / ProbeSummarize

Support / suggestParaphrase / QuestionListen / respect Check for agreementShow empathyAppropriately assertiveCreate focusStay flexible / optimisticBe informed / sensitiveBe alert / unobtrusiveSurface concernsWatch the timeKnow when to stop

Clarify outcomesCreate expectationsCommunicatesAnalyze contextScan environmentIdentify stakeholdersClarify rolesCommunicatesAssemble resourcesMake arrangementsPlan contingenciesReview participationSelect processesFormulate agendaCommunicates

Protect the ProcessEnsure participationManage Conflicts

Evaluate actionsEvaluate outcomesEvaluate processesCommunicate Recognize / thank

PlanThe Work

WorkThe Plan

EvaluateThe Plan & The Work

What Could Go Wrong …..And how can I prevent it?

During the session:•Listen as an ally•Ask open ended questions•Be positive•Provide clear instructions•Check for understanding•Point out agreements•Drive “process stakes”•Encourage participation•Stay neutral •Monitor norms•Use tact / discretion•Clarify / Probe•Summarize

Before the session, get understanding and agreement on:•Desired outcomes•Sponsor expectations•Decision making•Ground rules•Agenda•Context•Environment•Stakeholders•Participants•Roles•Accountabilities•KPI’s•Level of participation

After the session summarize:•Agreements•Decisions•Outcomes•Next steps

PlanThe Work

WorkThe Plan

EvaluateThe Plan & The Work

A

E

D

C

B

Decide and Announce

Act with Individual Input

Act with Team Input

Act on Consensus

Delegate with Criteria

Fa

llbac

kF

allb

ack

High Involvement

Participation

Low Involvement

Range ofDecisionMakingOptions

“blue” figures have the “D”

(decision rights)

Practices That Help

Be attentive to group needs Personal sensitivity Maintain a “safe” atmosphere Create focus / purpose Be a servant to group Keep it simple Listen carefully Watch body language (yours too) Help identify Ensure participation Remain neutral Maintain energy Be flexible Check understanding (yours too) Summarize frequently Be tool proficient (what/when) Focus on the outcomes Keep ownership with participants

Be oblivious to group needs Don’t listen Lose track of ideas Take poor notes Be the center of attention Get defensive Put down people Let conflict go unattended Let a few dominate Don’t ask how the session is going Impose your thoughts on the

content Let them get and stay off track Use only your favorite tools Let it go on and on and on and on Be insensitive to cultural

differences Use inappropriate humor

Practices That Hinder

FacilitationFacilitationToolsTools

CloseCloseNarrowNarrowOpenOpenCloseCloseNarrowNarrowOpenOpen

Perception Sharing Affinity Diagram In Frame / Out of Frame Threats / Opportunities

What’s the real problem? Lasso What’s effected, where, when …

Analyze data Develop likely causes Test causes More of / Less of Fist to 5

Output expected; Input available Criteria Setting Brainstorm

• Group•Silent•Write •Pass•Fishbowl

N/3 Category Sort +/- Top several Evaluate against criteria

Eliminate No-Go’sCombine / Delete What would it take? Straw PollBoth / And Fist to 5

ProblemSpaceTools

DecisionSpaceTools