1 or 2 days.  This workshop can be delivered face-face or virtually.

Course outline

A follow-up to the Introduction to Facilitation programme. Participants will:

• 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.

• 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 blockage

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.