THE CHOICE OF CO-FACILITATION

THE CHOICE OF CO-FACILITATION

We’ve just wrapped up another workshop which was spread over two days. Whilst the group was boutique in size, the content, energy and outcome was awesome.

Needless to say, the time spent on managing the production was the greatest component as our experience dictates the equation to achieve a smooth executed offering. This is often forgotten but we share the activity - one of the many gains in the choice of sharing facilitation.

People often ask why we have the expense of two facilitators and we sometimes question the shared profit - however the benefits to both parties, facilitators and the participants outweigh the dollar signs!

We’ve learnt:

To work to our strengths – selecting the subjects which match our style, experience and interest

To work the room – whilst one is engaging the participants the other is identifying who’s disengaged and rejigging the activities and running sheet to accommodate

To be two steps ahead – having sessions organised to jump to if the group need a different pace or paradigm

You can be totally present - in the dialogue, diagrams and delivery knowing your partner is managing everything else

To be different - to challenge our own norms and apply new approaches which your partner can easily feedback (thumbs up or down) rather than waiting on the written feedback, and

Not everyone loves you - the group appreciates the dynamic difference of drive and delivery - having a choice in facilitator connection enhances the engagement opportunities.

If the purpose of facilitating is to involve the audience, to make them think and contribute to the group for a common purpose then I believe the choice of co-facilitation is a good decision.  

As I quickly type these thoughts I’m also preparing to facilitate the final day of a leadership program this week – I’ll be on my own with 20 participants, two guest speakers and loads of activities.

Easy Peasy?