Preparing the group for a great experience takes some planning and preparation. They will be walking into the room with all kinds of baggage: Will we have to role-play? How many phone calls am I going to miss? Is this going to be boring? Traffic is going to be hell going home tonight! When are […]
Archive | New Facilitator
Front Loading
Front-loading an experience is making clear the purpose of an activity, session, workshop, retreat or meeting prior to actually doing it. If participants clearly understand the purpose or lesson upfront, that topic will repeatedly show itself during the action component and potentially make it easier to identify during dialogue or discussion. Front-loading can include a […]
Four Rules to Keep in Mind as a Facilitator
Of all the elements in experiential learning, the facilitator has the greatest impact upon the ultimate success or failure of the program. You’re Facilitative vs. Directive. Good facilitators know that they’re not here to “fix” anyone. They understand that they don’t always need to have all the answers. As a facilitator, you see your job […]
Responsibilities, Challenges and Abuses of Facilitators
The facilitation techniques included in this membership site will help you in all three critical areas below: The Single Greatest Responsibility of a Great Facilitator: Creating a safe and comfortable space for self and group discovery. Learn how to set up an environment and deal with difficult people to fulfill your greatest responsibility. The Single […]
Qualities of a Facilitator
There are literally hundreds of qualities that are useful, both as a facilitator and as a human being. For example, being a good, active listener! Just because something is not mentioned below does not mean we do not need to remember the other powerful human skills we possess. Leader FOCUS Provide a focus for the […]
What is a facilitator?
Strictly speaking, a facilitator makes a process easier. A facilitator does not add or subtract from the process, but helps bring about an outcome by providing guidance and assistance. “How” something happens is just as important, if not more important, than “what” happens. The process of communication, team building, leadership, etc. can change the outcome, so […]
The Simplest Debriefing / Questioning Method
By on in Asking Questions, Debriefing Methods, Facilitation Techniques, New Facilitator, Uncategorized
For a SUPER simple method, and perfect for beginners, check out the ‘What’ Method. The questioning strategy could not be more simple: What? So What? Now What? What? Get full description and discussion around the experience. “What happened during the activity? “ “What did you / the group do?” “What were your reactions?” So What? […]
Why ask questions as a facilitator?
This may seem like a no-brainer, but I want to take nothing for granted! There are two core skills that will help you become an effective facilitator, in ANY setting. First, be a good active listener and observer. Next become skilled in the art of asking the right questions in the right way at the […]
Clarity Techniques
Facilitators use these techniques to reflect verbiage back to participants. Do not judge their words, simply be a mirror for them to judge their own words. Be careful not to ‘throw’ the responses in their face and always be polite, saying “Excuse me” if you need to interrupt. There are some fun tools you might […]