The guide underscores the impact of participatory decision-making in strengthening team relationships and involvement. It advocates for embedding participatory principles in decision-making to guarantee inclusiveness and collective accountability. Facilitators are portrayed as vital in steering intricate conversations, particularly through the challenging "Groan Zone," using methods to promote constructive discussions. The guide prefers a collaborative approach over autocratic methods, demonstrating its efficiency in attaining enduring, inclusive resolutions and enhanced management results.
Facilitation
In the Facilitation Lab podcast, Douglas Ferguson interviews Phil Canning, head of the Human Centered Design Studio at Ally Financial. They explore Phil's path to facilitation and the pivotal role of design thinking in evolving Ally's operations. Phil highlights his workshop experiences, stressing the creation of a secure, inclusive space. The conversation delves into cross-industry learning's significance and facilitation's transformative impact. The episode ends by inspiring listeners to discover facilitation's potential in their own professional settings.
In the Facilitation Lab podcast, host Douglas Ferguson chats with Reshma Aziz Khan, CEO of Kenzo Consulting Limited. They delve into Reshma's nonprofit journey and her fascination with facilitation, sparked by an enlightening experience in Zimbabwe. Reshma discusses her unique workshop facilitation methods, including Whole Brain Dominance and creative seating, emphasizing connection among participants. Her transition to facilitation and the value of networking are explored. They highlight the power of silence and confidence-building through practice and learning.
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.
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.
In a transformative journey spanning from Brazil to London, Vanessa navigated the complexities of an evolving artistic career deeply entrenched in experimental music and arts facilitation. Despite notable collaborations with international organizations, she felt disconnected from her artistic ethos in the fast-paced gig economy and institutional contexts. Her epiphany came after enrolling in Voltage Control’s Facilitation Certification, which prompted her to critically reassess her professional identity and career trajectory.
Our "How to Facilitate a Workshop" guide outlines key differences between workshops and regular meetings, highlighting the vital role of facilitators. It presents a structured approach including defining objectives, setting expectations, and preparing flexible plans. The guide offers techniques for engaging diverse learning styles and effective post-workshop strategies. Packed with tips, videos, and expert insights, it's a valuable resource for both novice and experienced facilitators, aiming to make workshops productive and aligned with team and organizational goals.
In this podcast, Douglas Ferguson chats with Eli Wood about facilitation's crucial role in interdisciplinary teams and product development. They explore how facilitation extends beyond design sprints, aiding any collaborative scenario. Key topics include facilitation's impact in product management, where balancing varied requirements and perspectives is essential.