Facilitation

Unfamiliar with facilitation? You’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions here.

1. What is Facilitation?

[Facilitation is] “… the art of leading people through processes toward agreed-upon objectives in a manner that encourages participation, ownership and creativity from all involved.”

- David Sibbet, Principles of Facilitation: The Purpose and Potential of Leading Group Process, Grove Consultants International, 2002, page IV.

2. What is the Role of a Facilitator?

A facilitator contributes structure and process (how) so groups can function effectively and make high-quality decisions (what).

3. The Services of a Facilitator are Most Helpful when:

Participation and consensus are desired outcomes of a meeting.
You want to build buy-in and commitment to action amongst polarized groups.
Your group or organization has been grappling with the same issues over and over again without resolution.
You meet infrequently and want to make the best use of your limited time together.
Constructive debate and creativity are needed.