Facilitation
Facilitation is a word that is very trendy and much abused! It is not just standing at a flipchart and brainstorming. It is a set of values as much as a way of working. It values everyone’s input and creativity. It builds consensus and energises a group. It is a process that helps clarify what is important and where there is energy for change. The facilitators role is manifold he/she must:-
- Design processes for before, during and after the event
- Moderate the process
- Govern the pace
- Help the flow of the meeting by judicious use of tools, techniques and interventions
- Make constructive, honest inputs
- Enable and empower the team to process their inputs
- Monitor progress and pace
- Offer feedback on how well things are going
- Encourage, counsel, coach and persuade
- Energise when necessary
Facilitation is very much an art, rather than an exact science. It uses the skills, instinct and experience of the facilitator to judge the right intervention at the right time. Sometimes the point of breakdown in a meeting can be transformed into a breakthrough, with the right touch.

