Benefits of Facilitation
Working towards a common goal in a group that is effective and connected is, for many of us, one of the highlights of life.
Most of us have at some stage had the experience in a group, of feeling we are part of something that is bigger than each of us put together, that we belong to a creative, dynamic and effective organism. And some of us continue to search for this in the groups we are involved in.
Sometimes a sense of team comes easily, but at other times a group can get stuck and go round and round in circles or perhaps become increasingly bogged down in details that mask the real issues.
Sometimes we need guidance when a team is being created, to develop connection, and the shared idea of why we exist; sometimes we need to stop, step back and paint the picture again of who we are and what we want to do together. And there is always the possibility of head to head conflict that tears at the heart of groups.
All these situations can benefit from independent facilitation and good processes that value the means as important as the ends. If you are looking for a facilitator and want to know how to find a good one, this document, 'What to look for in a group facilitator' from the International Association of Facilitators (IAF), may help.
Effective processes enable people to listen to each other and be heard. They enable connection, vision and consensus to be built or differences to be explored and difficult issues to surface and be dealt with.
Good facilitation and good processes can enable creation, movement, learning, inspiration and connection.
Spending time planning and preparing any structured process or consultation is time well spent. The old adage of 'go slow to go fast' is very important in any facilitated process or engagement strategy. Being clear about who is involved, the purpose of the process, what the results will be used for and by whom, and where it all goes afterwards is essential for success.
Take a look at the The Value of Facilitation. This graphic, courtesy of babelfish group, depicts the answers of 233 managers across Melbourne in answer to the question
"What value has facilitation added to your organisation?"
Most of us have at some stage had the experience in a group, of feeling we are part of something that is bigger than each of us put together, that we belong to a creative, dynamic and effective organism. And some of us continue to search for this in the groups we are involved in.
Sometimes a sense of team comes easily, but at other times a group can get stuck and go round and round in circles or perhaps become increasingly bogged down in details that mask the real issues.
Sometimes we need guidance when a team is being created, to develop connection, and the shared idea of why we exist; sometimes we need to stop, step back and paint the picture again of who we are and what we want to do together. And there is always the possibility of head to head conflict that tears at the heart of groups.
All these situations can benefit from independent facilitation and good processes that value the means as important as the ends. If you are looking for a facilitator and want to know how to find a good one, this document, 'What to look for in a group facilitator' from the International Association of Facilitators (IAF), may help.
Effective processes enable people to listen to each other and be heard. They enable connection, vision and consensus to be built or differences to be explored and difficult issues to surface and be dealt with.
Good facilitation and good processes can enable creation, movement, learning, inspiration and connection.
Spending time planning and preparing any structured process or consultation is time well spent. The old adage of 'go slow to go fast' is very important in any facilitated process or engagement strategy. Being clear about who is involved, the purpose of the process, what the results will be used for and by whom, and where it all goes afterwards is essential for success.
Take a look at the The Value of Facilitation. This graphic, courtesy of babelfish group, depicts the answers of 233 managers across Melbourne in answer to the question
"What value has facilitation added to your organisation?"
