Facilitating Group Discussions

1. Facilitating Group Discussions

2. What’s the point? • More brains applied to a problem result in better solutions • Gives interested individuals an opportunity to be heard • Often required by regulations or contract/funding source • Adults learn through participation

3. “Groups are becoming the basic work unit of organizations. Increasingly, we turn to groups to bring together differing views, produce quality products and service, and coordinate complex work. In doing so, we expect groups to work effectively so that the product of their efforts is greater than the sum of the parts.” The Skilled Facilitator – Roger Schwarz

4. What does a facilitator do? • Increase effectiveness by improving: • Process (how a group works together) • Structure (membership, roles) • See attachment – ‘The Facilitator’s Job Description’

5. Getting folks to participate. • Techniques • Facilitation skills • Team/Group Issues • Dealing with conflict • Dealing with difficult people

6. Techniques • Set ground rules • Brainstorm • SWOT Analysis • What Is/Is Not the Problem • Visualization • Others that work for you?

7. Narrowing Ideas Multi vote Option comparison grid Nominal Group Technique Consolidation of ideas in to groups Affinity groups Summary Sheet List in Order of Priority Multi vote Nominal group technique Paired comparisons Yes-No Decisions Majority vote Pro/Con sheet Option comparison grid Decision Making Tools

8. What skills do you need to facilitate a group? • Awareness of group dynamics • Respect and compassion • Positive attitude • Flexibility • Non-defensive attitude • Neutral

9. Team/Group Issues • Groupthink • Unquestioned acceptance of opinion as fact • Rush to accomplishment

10. Dealing with Conflict • Why is conflict a good thing? • Natural • Source of energy • Result of real differences • Necessary for breakthrough • How to make it productive • Use active listening • Encourage all to listen and consider other opinions • Encourage people to share their thoughts calmly

11. Strategy to Deal with Conflict in a Group • Read the Group • Decide whether the conflict is impacting the group • Name it • Check your perception with the group • Make or ask for recommendations to address

12. Dealing with Difficult People • The chronically tardy • Arrange room to minimize distraction • Always start on time, thank those who are there • Set ground rules • Use incentives • Make the late person the time keeper • The preoccupied • Clear personal space • Use small group activities • Move close to the person

13. Reluctant to Participate • Use small group activities • Use an engaging opener • Offer small incentives • The Person who doesn’t want to be there • Use the group process to vent, then support • Talk with the person individually • Allow the person to leave

14. The Domineering Personality • Rotate small group leadership • Physically involve the person • Deny acknowledgement, show disapproval • The Nay-Sayer • Use precise, real examples • Use testimonials from group members

15. Sources • “Great Meetings! How to Facilitate like a Pro” Dee Kelsey and Pam Plumb • “Dealing with Difficult Participants” Bob Pike and Dave Arch • “The Skilled Facilitator” New and Revised Roger Schwarz • “The Team Handbook” Second Edition Peter R. Scholtes, Brian L. Joiner, Barbara J. Streibel