People come with a variety of perspectives, motivation levels, behavioral styles, and intentions and goals when they form a group. By considering the knowledge and skills of the group, a group setting can provide a great opportunity to draw upon collective wisdom and reach an innovative decision. In most groups, interaction among the members of the group is chaotic, unstructured, masked by political undertones, and characterized by cultural diversity. The process of getting the group to interact and reach the desired outcome requires a structured approach that draws upon the wisdom of the group.
Leading a group demands the provision of a safe environment in which members are encouraged to express seemingly ridiculous ideas, engage in blue sky thinking and discuss sensitive issues in a manner that enhances the chance of a successful outcome. It is imperative that a group leader can facilitate discussions in a structured manner, create an environment that fosters psychological safety, and generate outcomes in a variety of business settings.
Facilitators are responsible for diagnosing and intervening through process and structure so that a group conversation can be enabled. The facilitator leads a group of people in a variety of activities, including learning, problem solving, decision-making, innovation, project reviews, capability presentations, and conflict resolution.
The facilitator should be capable of leading the group without being directly involved by encouraging participation and creativity on the part of the participants. Unfortunately, facilitation is not an easy task, and you must possess the necessary skills, tools, and techniques to accomplish it effectively.
