Host Douglas Ferguson interviews Dr. Rebecca Sutherns, a 27-year facilitation veteran and author of "Elastic Stretch Without Snapping or Snapping Back." She discusses her initial discomfort with group work, its impact on her career, and the significance of effective group processes. The episode covers group dynamics across life stages and how structured interactions improve efficiency and minimize awkwardness.
A fresh perspective on facilitation in today's evolving corporate landscape. Emphasizing the need to move beyond 'reading the room', it advocates for a holistic understanding of systems thinking in facilitation. The article highlights the shift from traditional, physical meetings to diverse, often virtual environments. It discusses the interconnectedness within organizations, the impact of cultural awareness, conflict resolution, and the strategic use of data, all crucial for achieving effective facilitation outcomes in both virtual and hybrid settings.
In this episode of the Facilitation Lab podcast, host Douglas Ferguson interviews Eddie Jjemba from the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Center. Eddie discusses his work in making African cities resilient to climate change and his journey into environmental education. He shares his experiences in facilitation, including the importance of adapting to diverse cultures and contexts. Eddie also talks about the financial barriers to facilitation training in Africa and how the Red Cross is addressing this issue. The conversation also covers the use of games in facilitation, the process of designing meeting agendas, and the future of facilitation in the context of climate change.
In this post Neallie reflects on the importance of adaptability and empathy in professional settings. Neallie Kani shares a personal experience of reaching out to quieter team members, which led to valuable insights and built trust within the team. Kani emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, understanding team dynamics, and adapting communication styles for effective leadership. The post advocates for continuous learning in facilitation, highlighting Kani's journey with Voltage Control and the impact of facilitation skills beyond professional life. Kani concludes by echoing Priya Parker's words on the significance of how we gather, stressing the opportunity each interaction presents to shape our world.
The post offers insights into effective facilitation in global business settings, emphasizing the importance of clear and respectful communication when working with interpreters. It outlines three types of interpretation - simultaneous, consecutive, and whisper - each suited for specific scenarios. The article also provides eight key tips for facilitators, including preparing technology, speaking directly to participants, and considering specialized interpreters. It highlights the limitations of digital translation tools compared to the nuanced understanding offered by human interpreters.
In this episode of the Facilitation Lab podcast, host Douglas Ferguson talks with Roselle, Global Head of Quality Training and Optimization for Concur Expense Audit and Capture Services at SAP. They discuss the importance of facilitation in the workplace, with Roselle sharing her journey and experiences in leading diverse teams. She emphasizes the value of connecting people, understanding multicultural dynamics, and having a growth mindset. Roselle also shares her approach to meetings and the importance of debriefing. She expresses her passion for creating safe, inclusive spaces and her plans to build a facilitation community within her team.
"Designing Change" by JJ Rogers delves into the transformative world of facilitation. From a design consultancy to leading a product design team, Rogers uncovers how facilitation transcends mere activities, emerging as a key to collaboration and potential. The book highlights the crucial influence of the Voltage Control community on Rogers' career, detailing how this engagement profoundly altered their leadership and teamwork strategies. It's a tale of personal growth and professional evolution, showcasing facilitation's impact in the corporate landscape.
Explore key insights from Rick Rubin's "The Creative Act: A Way of Being" for facilitators and leaders. This bestseller from the music industry icon merges discipline with creativity, providing valuable lessons for corporate innovation. Learn Rubin's approach to the creative process, the importance of embracing constraints, and the power of collaboration. Inspired by his extensive music career, Rubin's methods apply to various fields, enhancing problem-solving and innovative thinking. This summary shows how Rubin's ideas can rejuvenate facilitation and spark innovation in today's professional environments.
On the Facilitation Lab podcast, host Douglas Ferguson interviews Dom Michalec, a product coach at Pathfinder Product. Dom delves into his facilitation journey, underscoring effective team collaboration. He shares how implementing liberating structures from "Liberating Structures" enhanced his meetings, boosting idea generation and decision-making. Dom stresses refining facilitation skills over just acquiring tools. The discussion also covers his role at Pathfinder Product, crafting impactful one-hour workshops, and the idea of coaching upwards, presenting insights for facilitators and team leaders.
Discover the power of collaborative leadership. Learn about its definition, distinction from facilitation, and the five key benefits: enhanced decision-making, increased productivity, stronger relationships, greater innovation, and higher engagement. Understand the challenges, particularly in balancing autocratic and collaborative styles, and explore the five essential qualities of a successful collaborative leader: being purposed, inclusive, clear, crafted, and adaptive. Embrace this leadership style for a more engaged and effective workforce.
