8.

1: Facilitation
O principles and integrating factual strategies that and connects
FACILITATION processes to information. stress conscious historical material
C improve practice thoughts, feelings to the present using
and to foster New information and behavior. interpersonal
… IS DEFINED AS TO MAKE THINGS EASY … making it easier U accomplishments is incorporated assessment /
for people to work together, to get more done, in less time, creating of identified through the use of Uses interactive diagnosis, and
creative and practical solutions to the challenges and opportunities a S work goals planned skill feedback and interpretation
group faces building exercises support methods
in a here-and now
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LEADING AND time frame
FACILITATING

Leadership is something you do to a group, while facilitation is L Helps the group Aim in providing Structure activities Helps individual
something you do with a group. enhance or members with of the group; group members
E correct their increased remediate in depth
performance; awareness of - to see that a psychological
Although many leaders can (and should) be effective facilitators, the
A develop skill in some life climate favorable problems;
facilitator differs from a leader in that the former is cognizant about organizational problems and the to productive work
the use of power, authority, or control and places limitations on the D assessment, tolls to better is maintained; - helping member’s
use of it. training program cope with it - to facilitate develop a new
E development, member’s perspective on
A facilitator should be "a neutral mediator whose job is to provide and program interactions; ‘unfinished
information and accommodate the exchange of dialogue among ... R evaluation - to provide business’ with
participants" (from Catalyst). information that significant others
F will help members
Facilitators assist groups as they work together toward achieving see alternatives to
U their modes of
group goals, and in most instances do not interject their own personal
behavior
opinions or agenda. By expressing their opinions to the group, N - to encourage
facilitators risk discouraging others with differing opinions from members to
speaking. They remain alert to group dynamics and encourage C translate their
challenging reflection while maintaining respect and safety within the insights into
group. Although facilitators may help guide a discussion, they also T concrete action
recognize and foster the group's own ability to lead itself. Thus unlike plans
I
authoritative leaders, good facilitators relinquish control to the group
and promote open, democratic dialogue among group members. O

CORE VALUES OF FACILITATION (by Roger Schwartz) N

1. VALID INFORMATION means that everyone involved shares

all information relevant to an issue. It also means that people A Facilitation Managing stress, Career / Re-experience
understand the information and its implications. involves course learning assertion educational traumatic situations
P work in the broad training, eating /personal / social so that catharsis can
area of disorders; and developmental occur, alleviate
2. FREE AND INFORMED CHOICE means that participants P organizational learning coping concerns (support specific symptoms /
have the ability to define their own goals and ways of achieving development, skills; managing groups) psychological
them. A facilitator can help the parties determine or alter their L consultation and relationships and problems
goals, and assess whether a particular option or decision meets management ending
those goals. But the ultimate decisions are up to the parties I relationships;
themselves. supporting
C survivors of
physical and
3. INTERNAL COMMITMENT TO THE CHOICE means that A sexual abuse
people feel personally responsible for the choices they make.
This type of commitment results because people are happy with T
the decision and their involvement in it, not because there is any
I
possibility of reward or punishment for supporting it -- other
than the benefits inherent in the agreement itself. O

8.2: Facilitator
TYPES OF FACILITATION
FACILITATOR
TASK PSYCHO COUNSELING PSYCHOTHERAP
FACILITATION EDUCATTIONA Y By definition, a facilitator is “a person…that makes an action or
L process easy or easier.”

A facilitator is a person who helps a group of people to work

F The application Deal with Interpersonal Explores
of group imparting, processes and antecedents to
together better, understand their common objectives, and plan how to
dynamics discussing and problem-solving current behavior achieve these objectives, during meetings or discussions. In doing so,
the facilitator remains "neutral", meaning they do not take a particular
position in the discussion. Some facilitator tools will try to assist the
group in achieving a consensus on any disagreements that preexist or
emerge in the meeting so that it has a solid basis for future action.
A facilitator is someone who
 helps a group of people to understand their common objectives
and assists them to plan how to achieve these objectives; in
doing so, the facilitator remains "neutral", meaning he/she does
not take a particular position in the discussion
 assists the group in achieving a consensus on any disagreements
that preexist or emerge in the meeting so that it has a strong
basis for future action
 provides information and accommodate the exchange of
dialogue among participants
 assist groups as they work together toward achieving group
goals, and in most instances do not interject their own personal
opinions or agenda.
To put it another way, facilitating actually means:
 Understanding the goals of the meeting and the organization
 Keeping the group on the agenda and moving forward
 Involving everyone in the meeting, including drawing out the
quiet participants and controlling the domineering ones
 Making sure that decisions are made democratically
The 8 Roles of a Facilitator
1. Motivator: ignites a fire within the group, establishes momentum,
and keeps the pace.
2. Guide: knows the steps of the process the group will execute from
beginning to end and carefully guide the participants through each
step in turn.
3. Questioner: listens carefully to the discussion and quickly
analyzes comments to formulate questions that help guide a
productive group discussion and challenge the group when
appropriate.
4. Bridge Builder: creates and maintains a safe and open
environment for sharing ideas.
5. Clairvoyant: attuned to signs of strain, weariness, aggravation,
and disempowerment, and respond in advance to prevent
dysfunctional behavior.
6. Peacemaker: steps in quickly to reestablish order and direct the
group toward a constructive resolution.
7. Taskmaster: keeping the session on track.
8. Praiser: praise participants for good effort, progress, and results –
praise well, praise often, praise specifically.
Types of Facilitators:
1. Business Facilitators. The facilitator's role is to make it easier for
the group to arrive at its own answer, decision, or deliverable.
2. Conflict Resolution Facilitators. are used in peace and
reconciliation processes both during and after a conflict. Conflict
resolution facilitators must be impartial to the conflicting groups and
must adhere to the rules of the democratic dialogue. They may not
take sides or express personal opinions. Their role is to support
groups develop a shared vision for the future, learn to listen to each
other, and understand and appreciate the feelings, experiences, and
positions of the opposing side.
3. Educational Facilitators. Educators in dialogic learning and
other peer instruction approaches often serve as facilitators. Effective
facilitation requires self-monitoring and careful attention to the
details of interaction as well as the content of the material.
4. Small Group Facilitators. The facilitator is often appointed in
place of what would once have been a chairperson's role. Along with
other officers, the facilitator is appointed at the group's annual general
meeting to fill the role for the year ahead.
5. Training Facilitators. Training facilitators are used in adult
education. These facilitators are not always subject experts, and
attempt to draw on the existing knowledge of the participant(s), and
to then facilitate access to training where gaps in knowledge are
identified and agreed on.
6. Wraparound Facilitators. Wraparound facilitators are facilitators
in the social services community. They originally served disabled
teens who were transitioning into adulthood. Now they include
facilitators serving children between the ages of 0–3 years who are in
need of services. Outside the meetings, the facilitator organizes
meetings, engages team members, and conducts follow-through.
During meetings, the facilitator leads and manages the team by
keeping the participants on track and encouraging a strength-based
discussion addressing the child's needs. The facilitator encourages
equal participation among team members.