Facilitation, like many other skills, is something that can be learned and developed over time. It requires practice and experience to maintain neutrality, track various lines of thought and conversation, take precise notes, and pose questions that encourage deeper thinking. This skill can be categorized into four levels, outlined below.
Level One: Introductory
At this initial level, a facilitator understands the fundamental concepts of facilitation. They may already be a facilitative leader. Key skills at this stage include active listening, effective questioning, time management, promoting participation, taking accurate notes, problem-solving, and planning actionable steps.
Level Two: Growing
As you gain experience in achieving consensus within groups and witness the success of sustainable agreements and completed action plans, you continue to develop. At this stage, you will:
- Understand additional process tools that align well with the topics being discussed.
- Enhance your skills by utilizing the most effective decision-making and process tools.
- Skilfully challenge underlying assumptions.
- Set measurable objectives.
- Use surveys at the conclusion of facilitation sessions.
Level Three: Skilled
At this level, you are proficient in handling feedback and managing conflicts, including reaching a state of agreeing to disagree or having constructive disagreements. You can implement design changes, provide interventions, and apply your understanding of the group’s developmental stage to facilitate consensus. You can utilize advanced tools, design your own surveys, and create detailed summaries and reports for group members and stakeholders.
Level Four: Advanced
At this stage, you have experience working with various groups and dynamics. You are capable of facilitating complex organizational issues, employing the full range of tools available in the facilitator’s toolkit. You operate at a level comparable to top facilitators, providing support and guidance across diverse scenarios.
