Enter the nightmare…. you are facilitating a group of people who are all experienced facilitators, and of course, they have a better way. What do you do?
1. Remember why you are facilitating this group of people – chances are it’s because you are unbiased and can lead the conversation without injecting opinion (you are no doubt the only one in the room who can do it for this group at this time).
2. Remember the purpose of facilitation – to get a group of people from point (A) to point (B) by keeping the conversation relevant, productive and on track.
3. Remember you have created a well thought out plan, designed to sequence the conversation to achieve the session outcomes
So there’s a reason you are doing this, what should you do to set yourself up for success?
1. Talk through the plan at the start of the session
- Highlight the outcomes you are seeking
- Identify the sequence of conversations/activities
2. Take control of the room: once people agree the outcomes and the plan, ask them to trust you to get them there.
3. Give the group a little of yourself so they see you as more than just the facilitator, but as a person committed to their goals, who sees this session as the most important thing you could be doing
4. If it all goes pear shaped, remind people that they agreed to trust you. Adjust the plan if necessary and buckle down and commit to getting the group to their outcomes.
Exit the nightmare.
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