Tags: IAP2

“Facilitation calls forth peoples’ best intentions”

Dale Hunter, The Art of Facilitation 2004

In the dictionary the term ‘facilitate’ is defined as – making easier or more convenient. I’ve been a process facilitator for almost 30 years and I work with clients to understand their needs and design and facilitate processes to achieve stated aims whilst building relationships towards mutual benefit.

I often feel like a ‘conductor’ or ‘choreographer’ who creates a piece of work with an end in mind and then helps other people make it happen. It’s both a powerful and joyful position to be in.

My bottom line is that the people who are impacted by a decision should have a say in that decision and the processes I design aim to involve people in a safe but authentic way. Sometimes processes are energetic and aimed at innovation, other times it’s about silence and contemplation to gain a breakthrough. It’s always different because of the nature of human beings and what happens when they come together.

People sometimes say to me, “teach me to facilitate” thinking there’s an A to Z of how to do it. In my experience it takes years of practice, some theory and a whole lot of courage, particularly if there is conflict and you need to mediate. I have become fearless and am not afraid of going into the centre of any group to help them find mutual ground to learn and move forward with.

There are lots of techniques that guide Facilitation. I’m trained in Group Work and Public Participation skills. I underpin my work by adhering to the Code of Conduct and Values of the International Association of Public Participation. I also operate as a teacher and coach for teams and individuals who want to facilitate their own processes.