Go to Fast Facilitation Guidelines Part I
Effective group facilitation allows the group to find its own answers. The more the group participants think, develop, brainstorm, create, the higher the ownership, commitment and likelihood of successful implementation.
The key to fast facilitation is to SLOW the process down. DO not skimp on areas and do not rush.
The Temptation to Fix-Solve-Save
The temptation is to step in, when people struggle. The challenge is to not fix, solve and save. That's what distinguishes a trainer from a facilitator. The first has the solutions; the second has the questions.
But even trainers or speakers could enhance the power of their work, by adopting facilitative methodologies.
Effective group facilitation challenges participants to ask questions that shift paradigms. It helps people move from 'spiral downward' thinking towards 'possibility thinking' and creates the space for all voices.
The challenge is to balance the group needs against individual needs; and to balance the agenda with against issues that come up.
During effective group facilitation:
- everyone in the room feels seen, valued and heard;
- people engage in critical thinking;
- participants and facilitators take ownership and responsibility;
- there is a commitment to action;
- and paradigms are shifted.
Consider these points before every session, meeting or class
1. What questions can I ask?
2. How can I connect what participants are doing with what they are learning?
3. What experience and question will generate a paradigm shift?
4. How can I generate action and commitment?
5. How can I turn the experience into a positive one if they continue to fail?
Emerging Facilitation Technologies
1. Facilitation technology: The UNDP has developed critical fast facilitation technology for people to use, during coaching, training and facilitation programs. These can be used in a wide range of processes, from a peer facilitation program to 1-1 leadership coaching. Sharon Knoll under the UNDP Leadership Program (2004) developed the following four technologies for facilitators, coaches, leaders, managers and change agents to work with.
- Cognitive Maps,
- Distinctions,
- Conversations for Transformational Leadership,
- and Practices for Transformational Leadership.
2. Internet and software technology: Everyday new technologies are released. Facilitation takes place online, bringing people from around the world together in one platform.
To be continued...
