FACILITATION
ROLE
Why Have an External Facilitator?
The following short "test" can
assist you in determining when you need an external
facilitator for an upcoming session in your association
or non-profit organization.
1) Will it be important to have the
opportunity to present and explore different information
and points of view in a “safe” environment?
Yes - 5 points
No - 0 points
Don't know - 3 points
2) Is there a need for an increased
understanding of others’ perspectives?
Yes - 5 points
No - 0 points
Don't know - 3 points
3)
Will there be the opportunity to interact on a
“level playing field” with other participants?
Yes - 0 points
No - 5 points
Don't know - 3 points
4) Is
there an internal neutral person who can
encourage dialogue and balance divergent viewpoints?
Yes - 0 points
No - 5 points
Don't know - 3 points
5) Is
there an assurance that conflicts will remain
focused on issues rather than personalities?
Yes - 0 points
No - 5 points
Don't know - 3 points
6) Will it be important to have objectivity
in summarizing the group’s viewpoints and reaching
conclusions?
Yes - 5 points
No - 0 points
Don't know - 3 points
Scoring
If
you scored 12 points or more, external
facilitation will significantly improve the likelihood
of a productive session.
If
you scored between 3 and 11 points, then external
facilitation is likely required. You should determine
where others in the group stand on these questions
before making a decision.
If
you scored 1 or 2 points, then the only conclusion we
can draw is that your math skills need improvement.
If
you scored O, you are in denial, or the session will not
be dealing with anything of importance.
While the test scoring is more
tongue-in-cheek than scientific, the questions in and
message behind the test are highly relevant to
association and non-profit sessions. The investment of
staff and volunteer time, and limited resources, require
that the organization take all reasonable steps to
ensure the sessions will be productive. And more
importantly, members expect that the organization will
give proper attention and care to issues confronting the
organization.
Association CEOs,
managers and volunteer leaders frequently facilitate
sessions or meetings involving staff, volunteers,
members and third parties.
The intent of the Facilitation Role
is to expose readers to various facilitation tools, how
they work, and when they should be used.
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