• Use a tested, creative process for working with problem-solving and decision-making groups
• Experience a variety of facilitative techniques appropriate for problem-solving and decision-making groups
• Learn to develop strategies for managing energy in groups and for working more effectively with disagreement and conflict
• Have the opportunity to receive feedback from a practice session with a small group

Who should attend?
Those who work mainly with groups commissioned to solve specific problems and generate decisions to be owned by the group.

Who should attend?
Individuals who have completed the Introduction to Facilitation programme.
Facilitators wishing to widen their use of techniques for working with decision-making groups.
Facilitators working with change management or strategy groups.
Facilitators looking to use more creative approaches within a problem-solving process.

Learning method
This programme has a large element of participation with individuals learning by trying out the issues and techniques. The structure during the two days is flexible in order to give greater emphasis to meeting the particular needs of the group.

Course content

Day 1
Structure for a facilitated event
Key stages in the structure
The role of the facilitator within the stages
Structuring and preparing for decisions
Scope and focus
Using more creativity in the problem-solving process
Creative elements within the process
Assumptions and criteria
Changing perceptions of the "problem"
Helping to focus the group
Using facilitative techniques for gaining owned outcomes
Variations on "action cards"
Sifting techniques
Techniques for owning change in the organisation
Transition diagrams
Handling situations where there is no decision
Working more effectively with disagreement or conflict
Managing energy in groups
The conflict - manage or resolve?
Important dos and don'ts
Techniques for dealing with blockages
Preparation for practice sessions

Day 2
Preparation for practice sessions - continued
Individual practice sessions
Opportunity for participants to practice facilitating a small group with constructive feedback
Problem page
Opportunity for individuals to have help from the group in dealing with specific difficulties they experience when facilitating within their organisation
Action planning
Planning for development in the work place
Sharing commitments

Note
This programme can be run as a one-day workshop if individual practice sessions are not required.