Are you a Facilitation Fundamentalist? Comments

Donald Jessep

Wed, 20 Aug 2014 17:34:54 +0000

Fabulous observation Rhonda
I have a scratchy recording of an interview with Maria Callas. She is explaining how she studied and practiced all manner of disciplines, in the minutest detail. Then stepped out onto the stage with an empty mind. She had no intention of running any of the processes she had practiced. What came out was perfect. She was present with the audience, in flow. Crowded opera houses bore testament to her brilliance.

AMWOLA FIONA

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 07:20:18 +0000

Thanks for the article, yes its true that groups are complex entities that have different needs and interests. But all i know that can help them coordinate together with the facilitator is having good communication skills.
Thanks Fiona. A

Rosa Zubizarreta

Sat, 2 Feb 2013 22:29:03 +0000

Steve, thank you for the thought-provoking article... Yes, I agree that groups may need different things. I also agree that facilitation alone, is not always the best answer to a situation... What comes to mind for me is the concept of BATNA from the mediation field. If someone does not have an incentive that is strong enough to "bring them to the table", any efforts at facilitation or mediation are likely to not be done in good faith. This is particularly when it comes to social change... sometimes before facilitation can be effective, a movement may need to engage in some good old-fashioned organizing efforts. I wrote a blog post about this at http://wp.me/p1W2ZK-g

davissm

Fri, 1 Feb 2013 14:02:25 +0000

Thank you Cliona for adding this piece about the challenge of working alone. So true. And for helping me see how you experience my perspective. Very helpful!

Cliona

Fri, 1 Feb 2013 07:53:10 +0000

Excellent article. I believe part of being a good facilitator is 'reflection' on ourselves and our practice. A lot of the time we work independently or alone and this can lead to the very problem mentioned in your piece. What I enjoy most in your articles is how you highlight something we all know when we hear it, but rarely address. Keep up the great work and I will do my best to be aware of my 'inner fundamentalist'

davissm

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 14:17:56 +0000

Great clarification and wonderful real life example of what this article is about. Thank you Chris!

Chris Hutchinson

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 10:51:00 +0000

Great article! In the past I have worked with other facilitators who were a bit annoyed that I sometimes pushed a group to a conclusion if they were meandering excessively, or that I would offer my thoughts on what I've seen work or not work, or even step to a different part of the room and "take off my facilitator hat" to offer advice, direction, and at times even leadership. My fellow facilitators told me in no uncertain terms that I wasn't doing real facilitation, and wherever the group ends up is where they're supposed to end up. In one memorable instance I did a few hours of prework with a economic development organization board president to ensure he would be able to introduce our worksession with what he hoped we would achieve together and why it was important - only to have him stand up in front of 50 people and say "Here's Chris. He'll be running today's meeting." and then sit down! I made a flash decision to step in as leader for the next five minutes and relate the what and why interactively with the group. To me, if I didn't offer what I could to support the group when the leader decided to abdicate his responsibility (or if they were overly stuck or about to head off a cliff together) I would be doing them a disservice.
At the same time I am very aware that the more I become skilled with the tool of facilitation, the more everything looks like an opportunity to use it. It's the "When you're good with a hammer, everything starts looking like a nail" problem. So thanks for the reminder to stay aware of not overusing this strength to the point of weakness.
Thanks for the thoughts and explorations!