what is Facilitation?
Facilitation is a collaborative way to manage small or large group discussions to assist groups of people to identify and solve problems, make decisions, and complete tasks.
Facilitation encourages a cooperative environment so that the group can fulfill its purpose as easily as possible.
Facilitation creates a climate that invites creative thinking, protects individuals from criticism, and generates ideas so the group can reach its goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Facilitation is a collaborative way to manage small or large group discussions to assist groups of people to identify and solve problems, make decisions, and complete tasks.
Facilitation encourages a cooperative environment so that the group can fulfill its purpose as easily as possible.
Facilitation creates a climate that invites creative thinking, protects individuals from criticism, and generates ideas so the group can reach its goals.
- Clarifying Goals, Objectives & Priorities
- Community Input Process
- Conference & Event Planning
- Interdepartmental Planning
- Organizational Change
- Problem Solving
- Strategy Development
- Information Sharing
- Foster Creativity & Innovation
- Build Consensus & Commitment
- Mobilize Participation
- Help Align Vision, Mission & Values
- Identify Commonalities
- Summarize & Organize Participants’ Ideas
- Foster Communication Among Group Members
- Promote Harmony
- Produce “Doable” Solutions
A group contacts a facilitator to assist it to work through its issues in a meeting or a series of meetings.
The facilitator provides guidance on the process. Group members are responsible for the content and decision-making.
The facilitator helps establish the mechanics of the meeting, such as the agenda, identifying necessary participants, timetable, and meeting logistics.
During a facilitated meeting, the group focuses on problems and solutions, often seeking consensus to resolve the issues. Ground rules or group protocols encourage broad and effective participation.
The facilitator keeps the discussion focused and on point.
After the meeting (if requested), group members may receive a meeting summary that includes key discussion points and agreements, follow-up actions, an agenda for the next meeting, and/or any other pre-arranged items.