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Podcast | January 20, 2025

In this episode of the Facilitation Lab podcast, host Douglas Ferguson converses with Lipika Grover, a consultant, executive coach, and facilitator. They explore Lipi's career journey, starting from her early experiences at Accenture, where she observed effective facilitation during high-profile client sessions. Lipi emphasizes the importance of preparation, follow-up, and creating safe spaces for dialogue. She discusses managing group dynamics, particularly with chatty executives, and highlights the value of diverse voices in discussions. The episode underscores the transformative potential of effective facilitation in driving meaningful group interactions and fostering collaboration.

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Meeting Culture | January 14, 2025

Discover how psychological safety fosters innovation by creating an environment where teams feel safe to take risks, share ideas, and embrace failure as a learning opportunity. This blog explores actionable strategies for leaders and facilitators to build trust, handle conflict constructively, and ensure every voice is heard, driving creativity and collaboration. Learn to cultivate a culture where openness and resilience thrive, empowering your team to innovate and succeed in today’s dynamic business landscape.

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Organizational Change | January 7, 2025

Discover how leaders can turn change into an opportunity for growth and innovation. This blog explores the balance of empathy and action, the power of co-creating a shared vision, and the importance of breaking transformations into small, actionable steps. Learn how to address identity fears, leverage effective communication, and inspire teams to embrace change with confidence and clarity. Equip yourself with tools to lead transitions successfully while fostering resilience and alignment within your organization.

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Collaboration | December 10, 2024

Master virtual and hybrid facilitation with strategies to engage global talent, maintain energy, and overcome challenges. Discover how to design purposeful sessions using tools like Zoom, Miro, and Mural to foster collaboration across borders. Learn tips to keep meetings dynamic with varied activities and breaks, manage hybrid transitions seamlessly, and prepare teams for new tools. Whether tackling screen fatigue or ensuring inclusive participation, this guide equips leaders and facilitators to thrive in today’s digitally connected work environment. Transform challenges into opportunities for innovation and growth.

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Podcast | November 13, 2024

In this episode of the Facilitation Lab podcast, host Douglas Ferguson converses with Kelly Artis, founder of Mission Identity, who empowers women through the Enneagram. The discussion highlights the transformative power of facilitation, particularly through Kelly's experiences in the George W. Bush Institute's Veteran Leadership Program. Kelly shares her journey into facilitation, emphasizing the importance of psychological safety, empathy, and deeper connections in group settings. She reflects on how effective facilitation goes beyond traditional teaching, fostering meaningful interactions and personal growth. The episode underscores the impact of creating safe spaces for dialogue and collaboration.

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Design Thinking | October 15, 2024

Design thinking is a powerful approach that prioritizes empathy, creativity, and collaboration in solving complex problems. Its focus on deeply understanding human experiences allows teams to challenge assumptions and explore problems from new perspectives. By fostering innovation through prototyping, shared language, and a user-centered mindset, design thinking has evolved into a crucial strategy across industries. This blog explores the versatile impact of design thinking, emphasizing its role in business strategy, services, and the critical importance of skilled facilitation in driving successful outcomes.

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Workshops | October 8, 2024

Workshops are vital for team building and innovation but often fail to engage participants fully. To maximize impact, workshops must shift from merely presenting information to fostering learning-centric environments that encourage collaboration and innovation. By incorporating assessment points, purposeful activity selection, and flexible design, facilitators can create dynamic experiences where participants actively engage and apply new ideas. This approach transforms workshops into spaces for learning, creativity, and growth, ensuring lasting impact on personal and professional development.

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Podcast | September 17, 2024

In this episode of the Facilitation Lab Podcast, host Douglas Ferguson converses with Tony Toto, a facilitator at the Outdoor Wisconsin Leadership School. Tony shares his journey from real estate to facilitation, emphasizing the transformative power of adventure-based team-building activities. He discusses the importance of physical and emotional safety, non-verbal communication, and the role of conversation in fostering trust and collaboration. Tony also reflects on his continuous learning process and the impact of his work on participants. The episode underscores the significance of taking risks, seeking mentorship, and the lasting benefits of experiential learning.

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Podcast | August 20, 2024

In this episode of the Facilitation Lab podcast, host Douglas Ferguson converses with Nathan Hughes, COO and co-founder of Detroit Labs. Nathan shares his journey from a technology-focused career to embracing facilitation and leadership. He discusses the pivotal role of facilitation in managing teams, especially during crises like the pandemic. Nathan highlights the importance of practice in low-stakes environments to build facilitation skills and emphasizes the need for trust and connection within teams. He also offers advice for technology leaders transitioning into management, stressing the value of redefining success and maintaining personal creative outlets.

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Facilitation | July 23, 2024

In professional development, the principles of practice and feedback are vital. Much like athletes and musicians refine their skills through rehearsal and critique, professionals must engage in deliberate practice and seek feedback to master their craft. This blog post explores these elements, providing insights and strategies to foster growth and success in the workplace. Facilitators, in particular, need ongoing practice and feedback to enhance their skills. Structured practice opportunities and feedback loops help identify strengths and areas for improvement. Embracing a growth mindset is essential, as it encourages seeking feedback and viewing challenges as learning opportunities. In professional settings, practice often gets neglected, overshadowed by the expectation to perform flawlessly. To foster growth, professionals need environments where they can safely practice and receive feedback, similar to athletes rehearsing before a performance.