Facilitators are expert in selecting and sequencing facilitation techniques and using physical and digital tools in whatever meeting format is most appropriate.
A competent facilitator improves the meeting experiences for everyone, increases the quality of the meetings they facilitate, drives down the number of meetings required to achieve the objectives and deliver the required outcomes, and decreases the duration of those meetings that are needed.
Taking reference from our Meeting Leader Personas section...
Great facilitators are:
Impartial
They have the ability to stimulate reaction without bias.
Disciplined
Self-controlled with behaviours that evoke feelings of trust and respect.
Active Listeners
Asks questions that promote discovery and insight.
Probing
Peel back the layers to get real answers without causing offence.
Social
High levels of social and emotional intelligence.
Structured
Discussions are organized and use a logical process without being inflexible.
Timely
Holds themselves, and the group, accountable for the appropriate use of allocated time.
Great facilitators are focused on:
Supporting
The group's activities to reach its goal.
Creating
An environment conducive to proactive participation.
Engaging
Neurodiverse and neurotypical participants to get the best results.
Diffusing
Difficult situations before they become an issue, by managing and resolving conflict.