Facilitating Group Discussions

Whats the point? More brains applied to a problem result in better solutions Gives interested individuals an opportunity to be heard Often required by regulations or contract/funding source Adults learn through participation

Groups are becoming the basic work unit of organizations. Increasingly, we turn to groups to bring together differing views, produce quality products and service, and coordinate complex work. In doing so, we expect groups to work effectively so that the product of their efforts is greater than the sum of the parts. The Skilled Facilitator – Roger Schwarz

What does a facilitator do? Increase effectiveness by improving: –Process (how a group works together) –Structure (membership, roles) See attachment – The Facilitators Job Description

Getting folks to participate. Techniques Facilitation skills Team/Group Issues Dealing with conflict Dealing with difficult people

Techniques Set ground rules Brainstorm SWOT Analysis What Is/Is Not the Problem Visualization Others that work for you?

Decision Making Tools Narrowing Ideas –Multi vote –Option comparison grid –Nominal Group Technique Consolidation of ideas in to groups –Affinity groups –Summary Sheet List in Order of Priority –Multi vote –Nominal group technique –Paired comparisons Yes-No Decisions –Majority vote –Pro/Con sheet –Option comparison grid

What skills do you need to facilitate a group? Awareness of group dynamics Respect and compassion Positive attitude Flexibility Non-defensive attitude Neutral

Team/Group Issues Groupthink Unquestioned acceptance of opinion as fact Rush to accomplishment

Dealing with Conflict Why is conflict a good thing? –Natural –Source of energy –Result of real differences –Necessary for breakthrough How to make it productive –Use active listening –Encourage all to listen and consider other opinions –Encourage people to share their thoughts calmly

Strategy to Deal with Conflict in a Group Read the Group Decide whether the conflict is impacting the group Name it Check your perception with the group Make or ask for recommendations to address

Dealing with Difficult People The chronically tardy –Arrange room to minimize distraction –Always start on time, thank those who are there –Set ground rules –Use incentives –Make the late person the time keeper The preoccupied –Clear personal space –Use small group activities –Move close to the person

Reluctant to Participate –Use small group activities –Use an engaging opener –Offer small incentives The Person who doesnt want to be there –Use the group process to vent, then support –Talk with the person individually –Allow the person to leave

The Domineering Personality –Rotate small group leadership –Physically involve the person –Deny acknowledgement, show disapproval The Nay-Sayer –Use precise, real examples –Use testimonials from group members

Sources Great Meetings! How to Facilitate like a Pro Dee Kelsey and Pam Plumb Dealing with Difficult Participants Bob Pike and Dave Arch The Skilled Facilitator New and Revised Roger Schwarz The Team Handbook Second Edition Peter R. Scholtes, Brian L. Joiner, Barbara J. Streibel