TIPS SHEET ON FACILITATION SKILLS Facilitation simply means making things easy. In business it’s often taken to mean the process of leading a group towards an outcome. In practice you can facilitate a group, an individual or even yourself – you can do it face to face or through distance processes including written communications. This tips sheet focuses on facilitating a ‘live’ group to achieve a result. SET THE SCENE This involves ‘contracting’ with the group about what is to be achieved, setting objectives and time scales and providing any information that’s necessary BE SELF AWARE If you are to help others, it’s important to be aware of, and manage, your own thoughts, feelings and behaviour. Self awareness is fundamental to that process. OBSERVE OTHER PEOPLE Being aware of the other people in the group is essential so you can notice, and respond to, their behaviour. DEVELOP RAPPORT Get on the same wavelength as the others. Even if you don’t share all their ideas, beliefs and behaviours, you can find common ground and develop effective relationships for at least the duration of the event. LISTEN WELL ‘Active’ listening is an important skill. This is about paying attention and showing you are doing so. ASK EFFECTIVE QUESTIONS It’s important to ask questions. Some of the reasons for this are: to check your understanding of what people are saying or doing, to prompt discussion and analysis, to help people reflect on their own behaviour and attitudes. MEDIATE AND MANAGE DIFFERENCES Notice differences of opinion and help people work effectively with each other CHALLENGE Be prepared to challenge assumptions, unsubstantiated facts or opinions, inappropriate behaviout etc. INVOLVE EVERYONE Make sure nobody is left out of the discussion and ask people for their opinions if they seem reticent MANAGE EFFECTIVELY Make sure you manage the whole process, including time. CONCLUDE Wrap up at the end, including summarising what’s been discussed and any action to be taken. Mention any resources that could be useful following the event. If appropriate comment on what went well – contributions, energy etc. If you mention any things that could be improved another time, make sure this comes across as suggestions for even better performance, rather than criticism – it’s good to end on a positive note.  Carol Harris