Fast Facilitation Guidelines

Fast facilitation tips and strategies are guidelines for speeding up the facilitation process. The truth is that the best way to speed up the process is to do it properly.

And here are do's and don'ts to help you.

Yes, results will be quicker. But, remember, sometimes slowing the process down is the only fast facilitation method needed.Especially in a crisis when the group members need to resolve things fast.

In other words, when in need of quick ...go slow. And even slower. As Ken Envoy¹, CEO of SiteBuildIt says, use 'the tortoise approach'.

Especially in a crisis when the group members need to resolve things fast.

In other words, when in need of quick ...go slow. And even slower. Take the tortoise approach.

Fast Facilitation Do's

1. Make contact with each person before the workshop starts;

2. Use the word 'AND' instead of 'BUT'. e.g. You've said....AND it sounds like Bob disagrees with you;

3. Lean forward. Especially if it becomes intense;

4. Ask more questions;

5. Listen, reflect, empathize***;

6. Make individual contact during the session;

7. Monitor the energy levels and atmosphere;

8. Quickly memorize and use participant's names;

9. Acknowledge everyone's opinions;

10. Establish group expectations and agreements up front.

Process psychology highly recommends you slow the process down at any edge. An edge is a term used to describe the place in the learning just before a breakthrough. It is usually uncomfortable for the individual or group.

Tips & Technique Don'ts

1. Pretend to be too enthusiastic;

2. Talk about yourself unnecessarily;

3. Start the session late because participants are late;

4. Be stuck in one place;

5. Let one or two people dominate the room;

6. Use derogatory language or 'talk down' to the group;

7. Play mind games with the group);

8. Read Powerpoint facilitation presentations;

9. Run over time.

Use a Fun, Structured Facilitation Appoach

2. Plan carefully;

3. Once in the room tear up the plan.

This is the most effective structured facilitation method I know.

Prepare all you can. Then let go.

Learn more about the structured facilitation approach!

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ABC of Facilitation