Facilitation

In a literal sense, facilitation means to make easier. Skilled facilitation creates a structure and neutral atmosphere that promotes dialogue, stimulates thinking, encourages problem solving and supports decision making in a safe, engaging environment.

Facilitation acts as a lubricant for the meeting process and helps participants to work at their best. It harnesses the resources of a group and creates a framework for working together towards common goals.

Facilitation will benefit your organization when

Time is important and you want to accomplish a lot quickly
• You want to free everyone to participate
• Issues and processes are not fully understood 
• You want to build your team and increase commitment to work together
• Vested interests cloud issues
• Potential for conflict is high and neutrality is essential
• The organization is changing and needs to explore new directions

Types of functions where facilitation can help

• Strategic planning retreats

Executive retreats

• Board retreats

• Problem solving meetings

• Crisis intervention

• Conflict resolution

• Re-organization meetings

• Staff meetings
• World Cafe