Eddie Jjemba's post details his shift from aspiring Ugandan medical doctor to climate education advocate. His journey, from school conservation efforts to a Master's in Climate and Society at Columbia University, underscores the need to make scientific knowledge accessible. Eddie stresses culturally-sensitive facilitation, reflecting on his experiences across Africa and Europe. He credits facilitation courses for honing his skills and for the realization of a professional portfolio's importance, showcasing his strengths and development in facilitation.
September 2023
Douglas Ferguson hosts Sandra Molinari, a workplace violence prevention expert, on the Facilitation Lab podcast. They explore Sandra's facilitation journey and her commitment to fostering inclusive, safe environments. Sandra discusses working with varied groups, being aware of cultural nuances, and the importance of recognizing participants' emotions. She stresses the crucial role of planning for effective facilitation and involving participants in design. Sandra also highlights the balance between maintaining structure and being responsive during facilitation sessions.
Roselle's blog post narrates her evolution from a Manila-based leader to a global facilitator adept in managing diverse teams across continents and virtual platforms. She outlines the challenges of leading through cultural and digital shifts, emphasizing the significance of "unintentional facilitation." Roselle reflects on the benefits of formal training and tools like Liberating Structures and Mural, which have shaped her approach. She discusses the importance of certifications and mentorships, marking her transition from project management to becoming an empathetic mentor focused on inclusivity and effective outcomes. Her journey offers valuable insights for leaders and facilitators striving to transform meeting culture and enhance their leadership skills.
Facilitators bring people together in beneficial collaboration, serving as a neutral party guide toward a common goal. In today’s corporate environment, many professionals are faced with calendars full of meetings, workshops, retreats, forums, retrospectives, coaching sessions, and more, each of which can be made more effective when led by a skilled facilitator. With professional facilitators in high demand, read on to learn how to become a facilitator.