Developing Facilitation Skills

Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas

 Developing Facilitation Skills
• We use facilitation skills to guide and direct
key parts of our work.
• A facilitator is someone who helps a group
meet their goals.

Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas

Three principles of facilitation
• Draw out opinions and ideas
• Focus on HOW, WHAT
• Never take sides

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Encourage participation:
• Check comfort level.
• Allow all ideas to be heard.
• Make members feel good about their
contributions.
• Ideas and decisions should be group nominated.
• Be Supportive.

Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas

Why do you need facilitation
skills?
• Good planning
• Keep members involved
• Leadership opportunities
• Increase skills
• Good communication
• Resolve conflicts

Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas

Being a good facilitator includes:
• Understanding goals
• Keeping the group and the agenda moving forward
• Involving everyone
• Decisions are made democratically

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Planning a good process
• Climate
• Environment
• Logistics
• Room Arrangements

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 Common Ground rules
• One person at a time
• Raise your hand
• Listen to others
• No mocking or attacking
• Be on time
• Respect each other

Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas

 The meeting process
• Start on time
• Welcome, thank everyone
• Make introductions
• Review agenda, objectives, and ground rules
• Encourage participation
• Stick to the agenda
• Seek commitments
• Bring closure to each item
• Summarize results and follow-ups
• Thank the participants
• Close the meeting

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Preventing disruptions
• Get agreement early
• Listen and show respect
• Show respect
• Learn expectations
• Stay cool

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Interventions for disrupters
• Individual domination
• Intimidation
• Tension
• Someone expressing doubts
• Side conversations
• If these fail
• Last resort

Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas