Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

A “facilitator” is a facilitator who helps the team in various matters, such as communication or finding a solution to a problem, but usually does not play a role in the content or management of the team project (since this is the role of the team leader).An effective facilitator can help your organization maximize its resources by getting the most out of its people. There are tons of workshops and trainings dedicated to the art of facilitation, but if you can't hire a facilitator or learn by yourself, this article provides a number of guidelines to help you get started. So, here are some guidelines for effective facilitation.

Steps

1. 1 Organize a comfortable learning space.
2. 2 Install basic rulesthat promote positive group interaction. Start with a few of your own and invite the group to add what they see fit. Here are some examples of such basic rules:
   • Confidentiality. What is said in the room remains in it.
   • Speak from your experience. Use "I" instead of "you" or "we"
   • There are no right and wrong answers. Our ideas are based on our unique experience.
   • Show respect for yourself and others.
   • Listen actively. Respect what other people say.
3. 3 Concentrate on the situation or issue being resolved.
4. 4 Maintain the confidence and self-esteem of all participants.
5. 5 Listen actively.
6. 6 Show a sense of humor when appropriate.
7. 7 Control any distraction or deviation from the topic, yours and others.
8. 8 Involve everyone involved.
   • As a facilitator, you should speak no more than 40% of the time.
   • Ask open-ended questions.
   • Do not be afraid of pauses - this may be time for reflection. After asking a question, wait at least 10 seconds before asking for an answer.
   • Refer to participants by name.
   • Use your own experience as an example, as appropriate.

Tips

• Prepare yourself. Develop a plan or schedule. Determine what you want to achieve and be prepared to clearly articulate the desired result. Practice what you want to say and how you want to say it.
• Move smoothly from one activity to another, or from a discussion of one topic to another.
• Ask open-ended questions - "What other questions do you have?"
• For clarity and ease of perception of information, use visualization tools.
• Enjoy this experience! If you feel confident and enjoy the process, the other participants will feel the same!
• Speak clearly, at a moderate pace, and at an appropriate volume level.
• Express your thoughts clearly.
• Use simple and unambiguous words and sentences.

Warnings

• Be calm and don't take a defensive stance.
• Stick to the basic rules and remind others of them.
• Deal with aggressive behavior of participants.
• Restrain overly active participants.
• In order to bring the participants back to the discussion of the topic, ask them to link the conversation to the issue that you plan to solve.
• Let the participants “save face”. Express appreciation for the value of the ideas and thoughts of each participant.
• Avoid closed-ended questions.
• Use paraphrases of the participants' speech to show that you are listening carefully.

What do you need

• Markers and flipchart / whiteboard
• Plan or Schedule
• Visualization tools
• Pens and paper for participants