The Role of The Facilitator - Understanding What Facilitators Really DO!
In this classic and oft referenced article, Robert Bacal offers some basic explanations about the role of facilitators in thje modern workplace, and what they actually can do and bring to the table. In plain English, and a good primer for managers or human resources staff considering hiring a facilitator.
Most people associate the word "facilitator"with the training environment. Often, that person at the front of the room leading a training sessions, is referred to as the course facilitator. While it is true that some seminar leaders do "facilitate", the facilitation role is often important in other areas. For example, the chairperson at a meeting often takes on the responsibility for facilitating the meeting, rather than "running it". The government employee involved in mediation of disputes between other parties is also a facilitator. Human resources staff members often facilitate discussions in various contexts. And staff that work with groups of stakeholders and members of the public may be well advised to take on a facilitating role rather than a directing one.
For those of you who already are involved in facilitating, or those of you that may do so in the future, we are going to look at what the facilitation role entails.
A facilitator is an individual who's job is to help to manage a process of information exchange. While an expert's" role is to offer advice, particularly about the content of a discussion, the facilitator's role is to help with HOW the discussion is proceeding.
In short, the facilitator's responsibility is to address the journey, rather than the destination.
When Facilitation is Appropriate
A facilitation approach is appropriate when the organization is concerned not only with the decision that is made, but also with the way the decision is made. For example, an organization may be moving away from an autocratic style of management to a participatory one. So, to encourage staff to embrace more involvement, the manager may choose to act as a facilitator rather than an expert or the final arbiter for the decision. In this situation longer term process goals become as important as getting a good decision.
As another example, let's envision a government employee who's task is to communicate with members of the public/interest groups regarding legislation and regulation. Since one purpose of this communication is to reduce resistance to legislation and regulations, the employee can choose a more facilitative, consultative role, rather than being a simple "bearer of information". In this case, the facilitation role is more likely to encourage others to be more cooperative.
Competencies & Characteristics
If you are involved in facilitation (even if you've never called it that), or may be involved, you might want to consider the competencies and characteristics of an effective facilitator as outlined by the Institute of Cultural Affairs (Canada).
distinguishes process from content
manages the client relationship and prepares thoroughly
uses time and space intentionally
is skilled in evoking participation and creativity
practiced in honouring the group and affirming its wisdom
capable of maintaining objectivity
skilled in reading the underlying dynamics of the group
releases blocks to the process
adapts to the changing situation
assumes (or shares) responsibility for the group journey
demonstrates professionalism, self-confidence and authenticity
maintains personal integrity
The facilitator commits to a style of:
asking rather than telling
paying personal compliments
willing to spend time in building relationships rather than always being
initiating conversation rather than waiting for someone else to
asking for other's opinions rather than always having to offer their own
negotiating rather than dictating decision-making
listening without interrupting
emoting but able to be restrained when the situation requires it
drawing energy from outside themselves rather than from within
basing decisions upon intuitions rather than having to have facts
has sufficient self-confidence that they can look someone in the eye when
more persuasive than sequential
more enthusiastic than systematic
more outgoing than serious
more like a counsellor than a sergeant
more like a coach than a scientist
is naturally curious about people, things and life in general
can keep the big picture in mind while working on the nitty-gritty
If you have a natural task-oriented style you may find it difficult to be thrust in a situation where facilitating is a more effective approach. It isn't always easy to give up the expert"position in a group. You may find it useful to examine your involvement in group activities, whether as a formal leader or group member, and determine if you can translate the above characteristics and competencies into changes in your behaviour that will allow you to contribute more effectively to the group, and to achieving your organization's goals.
1 Important Reprint Information: As of May, 2012, we have altered our reprint policies to allow you more leeway to make use of the Robert Bacal articles. Please READ our reprint policies to find out our terms of us, and how you may and may not use this article. Please be advised that we DO NOT permit use of our articles on the Internet or in blogs or other electronic public areas.
kianamaiart
blakekathryn
titsay
areudirty
gracieabrams
yousharknotpass
izzy806
