http://emeetingmaker.com/facilitator A Gathering Place For Facilitators Tue, 13 May 2008 14:12:07 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en At the request of a number of clients and subscribers, I am planning to offer another session of a two-day Facilitator Training Course. The fee for the course will be $499.00. All other expenses (travel, lodging, etc.) are to be paid by the attendees. The course ... http://emeetingmaker.com/facilitator/?p=22 I believe that one of the core determinants of the success or failure of a facilitation 'gig' is the how the facilitator defines what they're doing and how they define their role as compared to managers, participants, etc. How do you define 'facilitation'? Here's another blog I'm quite fond of by Viv ... http://emeetingmaker.com/facilitator/?p=1 It has been my experience that structuring an engagement properly may be one of the most critical steps in the facilitation process. I include: Identifying the 'real' client Contracting with the client re: deliverables, participants, methodology, the client's role, etc. Defining milestones and 'done-ness' criteria How, by whom, does the contract get changed Fees ... http://emeetingmaker.com/facilitator/?p=10 Too many facilitators utilize the same exercises and tools in doing their work. The result is that the participants are often weary and skeptical of approaches which they've used with mixed success in the past. I estimate that 50% of the work I do requires creating an approach/method ... http://emeetingmaker.com/facilitator/?p=4 There is an 'art' to designing the structure and flow of meetings. Share with us some of the techniques you typically use in starting meetings, how you 'position' yourself, the client and the participants. Are there specific exercises/tools you use at the beginning of a 'gig' or meeting? ... http://emeetingmaker.com/facilitator/?p=11 I believe that a large part of a facilitator's skillset is the ability to manage the room; by this I mean: To anticipate where the participants will be at the start, middle and end of each session including the areas of potential conflict; To continuously 'read' the room for signs of confusion, ... http://emeetingmaker.com/facilitator/?p=5 Share with us the 'tools' of your trade. What exercises, methodologies, approaches, etc., do you use and why? When do you not use a particular tool? In choosing a methodology, I am strong advocate of engaging participants 'visually'. Check out this website for a fascinating treatment of the ... http://emeetingmaker.com/facilitator/?p=12 I think of this topic somewhat like 'chaos theory'.  My 'theory' is that you can count on even a well-designed and implemented facilitation gig to run into barriers from time to time.  This is due primarily to the fact that, if the work is truly transformative, there is bound to ... http://emeetingmaker.com/facilitator/?p=6 Managers are often called upon to facilitate; they facilitate their own groups and are often called upon to facilitate meetings of their colleagues. Tell us about the challenges, approaches and successes you've had facilitating as a manager. I found an interesting discussion on The Enlightened Manager blog dealing with whether ... http://emeetingmaker.com/facilitator/?p=20 I will try to present opposing views in this blog. I have always believed that the Facilitator is a 'neutral' outside resource available to the organization to help it meet its goals. Johnnie Moore's website, however, gives a different perspective which you will want to consider. He says that ... http://emeetingmaker.com/facilitator/?p=24 Teachers facilitate groups in many settings: the classroom, staff meetings, in-service training, etc. What works for you? What problems have you encountered? Share your learnings and techniques and pose questions for your colleagues. Here's a link to the University of British Columbia's Teaching and Academic growth website; an excellent ... http://emeetingmaker.com/facilitator/?p=19 Working with groups is a challenging and very effective way for your clients/patients to learn from and help each other. Tell us about your challenges, concerns, lessons learned and approaches in dealing with group in a therapeutic setting. http://emeetingmaker.com/facilitator/?p=17 Lawyers facilitate as a normal part of dealing with clients and resolving/negotiating issues. Tell us about your challenges, successes techniques and approaches. Pose questions for others to answer. http://emeetingmaker.com/facilitator/?p=21