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Why Facilitation?

Effectively facilitated groups produce higher quality work, and build a broader base of support for timely implementation. Facilitation is particularly helpful when the membership of the group is diverse in knowledge, background, and interests; where there are existing or potential conflicts among the parties; and when the topics are complex and hence difficult to handle by 'just talking.'

FACILITATION SYSTEM -- VISIBLE ELEMENTS

These elements work together in support of group effectiveness.

Facilitator - Helps the group work effectively together through knowledge of process and how the process relates to the content and the context of the group and through interpersonal and communication skills and knowledge.

Group memory - Functions as a collector of the group's ideas and it is explicit and can be referred to by all

Recorder - creates the group memory;

Task leader - complements the work of the facilitator by insisting that the group accomplish its tasks. The facilitator and task leader serve the group best when there is a synergistic collaborative tension.

Group members - engage with the topic, build understanding, create new ideas, support each other, bring the outside world into the group and the work of the group to the outside world.

Ground rules – Provides the behavioral guidelines and boundaries for group members – part of the structure within which there is considerable freedom

Agenda – The visible listing of the focuses for the group work over the duration of the meeting

Why a Facilitator?

An experienced facilitator helps the group stay focused on its tasks, explore the situation more fully, minimize interpersonal conflict unrelated to task, work through conflict that is central to the work of the group and build openness and support within the group. The facilitator's work allows the manager or task leader to more fully participate in the work of the group.

Facilitation activities we have worked in

We have experience in most situations where facilitation is used, such as team building; priority setting, key board meetings; conflict resolution - for multi-party situations, for senior teams, boards and government bodies, such as city councils, and many other situations; formational meetings for new organizations; large group meetings, public involvement and citizen participation; strategic planning; government rule making and consensus building.