I facilitate hundreds of meetings every year.  When I am in the role of the facilitator, I  guide the participants through a series of steps that result in them creating their solution. I don’t tell them what to do but, instead, use a focused process accompanied with engagement strategies to optimize group dynamics and help the group get the most out of their meeting.  I frequently offer, and am often asked for advice, on how to be an effective facilitator.  Here are some of the hats a skilled facilitator wears:

ENGAGE THE GROUP:

Command attention, interest and engagement from the beginning to the end.

MAINTAIN FOCUS

Keep participants focused and on track with less interruptions and deviation from the agenda.

MANAGE DYSFUNCTION

Quickly defuse difficult behaviors and minimize distractions.

RESOLVE DISAGREEMENT

Isolate issues and create bridges for consensus.

PROMOTE COLLABORATION

Create a comfortable environment to induce full participation.

INCREASE INTERACTION

Skillfully deploy an array of interaction and facilitation techniques.

BE ADAPTABLE

Tailor their style to the needs of the particular group.

MOTIVATE BUY-IN AND ACTION

Inspire commitment to a common vision and an agreed upon action plan for moving forward.

Facilitating a group of people is a dynamic process.  Planning and preparation are necessary, but so is flexibility in the moment and never forget you are there to serve the group.