Facilitation
When there is tension in a place of work or community group, it typically arises through miscommunication or misunderstanding or as the result of differing expectations, perceptions, or values. Building a productive environment based on trust and respect requires planning and attention to those most involved in the outcome.
Facilitation is an intentional process by which all parties first participate through confidential interviews to collect different perspectives. Facilitators then work with the group to discuss how to shift the focus from win/lose power struggles to improved communication, increased understanding, and collaborative problem solving. Through the facilitation process, participants will work towards:
recognizing causes and sources of conflict,
communicating more effectively,
defining and managing interpersonal expectations and limits,
confronting emotions and how to make difficult conversations more productive,
identifying interests and needs, and
promoting collaboration and interest based problem solving.
Facilitation is helpful in settings such as the workplace, condo associations, church groups, school districts or committees, or any community associations.
Example of Facilitation:
One Center assisted a community program’s administrative team with joining together to discuss their expectations and work load that they could present to the organization’s managers.