The Role of The Facilitator

Understanding What Facilitators

Really DO!

Most people associate the word "facilitator"with the training

environment. Often, that person at the front of the room

leading a training sessions, is referred to as the course

facilitator. While it is true that some seminar leaders do

"facilitate", the facilitation role is often important in other

areas. For example, the chairperson at a meeting often

takes on the responsibility for facilitating the meeting,

rather than "running it". The government employee

involved in mediation of disputes between other parties

is also a facilitator. Human resources staff members often

facilitate discussions in various contexts. And staff that

work with groups of stakeholders and members of the public

may be well advised to take on a facilitating role rather

than a directing one. For those of you who already are involved in facilitating, or

those of you that may do so in the future, we are going to

look at what the facilitation role entails.

Basic Definition A facilitator is an individual who's job is

to help to manage a process of information exchange.

While an expert's" role

is to offer advice, particularly about the content of a discussion,

the facilitator's role is to help with HOW the discussion is

proceeding.

In short, the facilitator's responsibility is to address the journey,

rather than the destination.

When Facilitation is Appropriate

A facilitation approach is appropriate when the organization

is concerned not only with the decision that is made, but

also with the way the decision is made. For example, an

organization may be moving away from an autocratic style

of management to a participatory one. So, to encourage

staff to embrace more involvement, the manager may choose

to act as a facilitator rather than an expert or the final arbiter

for the decision. In this situation longer term process goals

become as important as getting a good decision.

As another example, let's envision a government employee

who's task is to communicate with members of the

public/interest groups regarding legislation and regulation.

Since one purpose of this communication is to reduce resistance

to legislation and regulations, the employee can choose a

more facilitative, consultative role, rather than being a simple

"bearer of information". In this case, the facilitation role

is more likely to encourage others to be more cooperative.

Competencies & Characteristics

If you are involved in facilitation

(even if you've never called it that), or may be involved,

you might want to consider the competencies and characteristics

of an effective facilitator as outlined by the Institute of

Cultural Affairs (Canada).

Competencies

The facilitator:

• distinguishes process from content
• manages the client relationship and prepares thoroughly
• uses time and space intentionally
• is skilled in evoking participation and creativity
• practiced in honouring the group and affirming its wisdom
• capable of maintaining objectivity
• skilled in reading the underlying dynamics of the group
• releases blocks to the process
• adapts to the changing situation
• assumes (or shares) responsibility for the group journey
• demonstrates professionalism, self-confidence
• and authenticity
• maintains personal integrity

Characteristics

The facilitator commits to a style of:

• asking rather than telling
• paying personal compliments
• willing to spend time in building relationships rather than always being
• task-oriented
• initiating conversation rather than waiting for someone else to
• asking for other's opinions rather than always having to offer their own
• negotiating rather than dictating decision-making
• listening without interrupting
• emoting but able to be restrained when the situation requires it
• drawing energy from outside themselves rather than from within
• basing decisions upon intuitions rather than having to have facts
• has sufficient self-confidence that they can look someone in the eye when
• talking to them
• more persuasive than sequential
• more enthusiastic than systematic
• more outgoing than serious
• more like a counsellor than a sergeant
• more like a coach than a scientist
• is naturally curious about people, things and life in general
• can keep the big picture in mind while working on the nitty-gritty