CONTEXT

Facilitation focuses discussion and clarifies understanding. It is perhaps the most powerful process tool available to organizations. Used correctly, it offers objective expertise to guide individuals, groups, and teams through the maze of discussion, debate, and decision making.

APPLICATION

The direct application of Facilitation is virtually limitless. Any level or approach to problem solving, competitive analyses, planning, or change should involve Facilitation. Some of the more common uses include:

An example of a facilitated process is found following this Overview.

FACILITATORS

There is a specific and necessary role for outside, professional Facilitators.

Objectivity, depth of training, and breadth of experience are the keys to hiring these individuals.

Facilitators are primarily responsible for the interaction process itself. They are present to create a path through the varied stages of discussion, focus debate, interpret misunderstandings, and monitor emotions. Their knowledge of strategic planning, communication, and negotiation, along with their objectivity, allows them the perspective to maintain interaction and nurture progress.

Most large organizations have one or more "in-house" Facilitators. With the increase in Participative Management and Total Quality Programs, thousands of employees have been trained, to some degree, in facilitation skills. These individuals can aid in the facilitation of many issues within the organization.

However -- outside, professional Facilitators possess extensive training and objectivity, and should clearly be used when issues are any of the following:

FORMATS

Unstructured agendas of many types are used as guides. Whether structured or not, any agenda should remain flexible enough to allow for full discussion -- the central purpose of a facilitated process.

The particular format chosen is determined by the specific goal identified for that session. Professional facilitators may utilize a variety of techniques, all designed to ultimately encourage and focus interaction. These methods may include:

RESOURCES

Additional Facilitators are sometimes required or requested.

Multiple or Team Facilitators are most likely to occur when there is a large number of individuals needing facilitation. This is common during annual meetings, focus groups, or specially called Director or Manager meetings. The larger group is usually addressed as a whole and then divided by appropriate size groupings.

When necessary, the exact number of Interax Facilitators is determined prior to the Session, and there is a separate charge for these specialists (see Fee Structure).

REPORTS

During facilitation, participants' comments are recorded (usually on flip charts or large screen projection). These comments are then organized by main goals or the various topical areas identified by the group.

As part of our service, we provide you with a Categorical Report. This report compiles your issues according to the group's objectives. The information may be further sub-divided by a priority ranking (degree of importance) of each issue as identified by the group.

Please note that the Categorical Report does not include an analysis. Analytical Reports are considered separate requests and are contracted independently of the facilitation. A Categorical Report is intended only to serve as a summary of your discussion.

NEXT STEP