(Picture: Event for Shree Jagannatha Society, United Kingdom, 14 January 2024) 

In this week's blog, we delve into the transformative world of facilitation—a powerful tool for fostering organisational learning, career advancement, and overall well-being. As a career and performance coach with a background in general practice and education, I've witnessed firsthand the positive impact of facilitation. Join me as we explore its definition, benefits, and how it can catalyse change in your professional life.

What is Facilitation?

Facilitation is more than just guiding a meeting; it's the art of enabling groups to collaborate, communicate, and achieve their objectives effectively. Whether it's a team-building workshop, a strategy session, or a problem-solving exercise, a skilled facilitator plays a crucial role in creating a dynamic and inclusive environment.

As a coach and educator, facilitation becomes a tool that can be used to bring about much-needed change.

What are the Benefits of Facilitation?

1. Enhanced Communication:

Facilitation encourages open dialogue, ensuring all voices are heard. This not only fosters better understanding but also strengthens team cohesion.

IN ACTION: To enable this to happen effectively, teambuilding exercises at the start of the session can be transformational to the productivity of the event. They start with building trust as details of personal circumstances, worries, hurdles, or achievements are voiced. It is also the first building block or step Patrick Lencioni describes in his book The Five Dysfunctions of a Team. 

2. Accelerated Learning:

Organisational learning thrives in facilitated environments. Participants absorb information more effectively through interactive activities and discussions, leading to lasting knowledge retention.

IN ACTION: Learning can occur in numerous ways; however, when discussion and application follow any new learning, its chances of being cemented or used for future change become more real.

3. Career Advancement:

Facilitation skills are a valuable asset in the workplace. Whether you're leading a project or collaborating with a team, the ability to facilitate can set you apart, propelling your career forward.

IN ACTION: Opportunities open when people notice you for your skill set. For me, doors have opened for external training events, strategy meetings, and meetings to help raise unspoken concerns and bring them out into the open.

4. Conflict Resolution:

Facilitators are adept at navigating conflicts, turning them into opportunities for growth. This skill is essential for maintaining a positive and productive work atmosphere.

IN ACTION: Conflict resolution is an area that, when tackled well, can open the possibility of collaboration and success for future projects. It is no easy task and needs to be handled with care, empathy, and consideration of all present and different circumstances. The unresolved conflict eats away at the objectives of the organisation and its goals and can affect its successes.

The benefits of being a facilitator:

Last year, I was privileged to facilitate a session for the Shree Jagannatha Society, United Kingdom, a charity with great aims and aspirations. The snapshots capture moments of collaboration, creative thinking, and the overall engagement that facilitation brings. Preparation for the event is crucial to enable success, foster a desire for change, and build better teams.

Meeting diverse people from various professions coming together for a joint cause they genuinely believe in is motivating and inspiring. Learning from a new group of people during every facilitation event builds the facilitator's skills and ensures success for all future events. 

Belief from visualising the benefits during and after the event can be both energising and rewarding. If done well, facilitation should raise awareness or inspire change.

Food for thought

Facilitation is a dynamic force that transcends traditional meeting structures. Consider incorporating facilitation into your professional toolkit as we've explored its definition and benefits and witnessed it in action. Whether aiming for organisational success, career advancement, or personal growth, facilitation can pave the way for positive change.

Dr Tisha Patel

Career and Performance Coach

Contact us if you would like to know more or consider facilitation for your organisation.

Do connect with me via: https://linktr.ee/tisha.patel

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