It costs too much to hire a facilitator. We know what we want and can do it ourselves. Sound familiar? But how many person-hours have you spent in meetings? Did you reach consensus? Is your plan voluminous and sitting on a shelf? What if I told you that a strategic plan could be created in a day or two, including an action plan with timelines and assigned responsibilities? Now that would save you time and money.
I was thrilled when I discovered Technology of Participation (ToP™) Facilitation Methods, developed by the Institute of Cultural Affairs in Chicago. Here was a structured participatory process that allowed everyone to be heard. The method led to quick consensus, putting everyone’s ideas into a limited number of clearly articulated buckets, easily leading to an actionable plan. After using the methods several times I realized that I led strategic planning constantly, but didn’t recognize that fact. What is a green building charrette/eco-charrette/LEED® workshop, but a strategic plan for integrative design? I started modifying the techniques for project workshops and even education seminars.
Facilitation can work "like magic"
After using the methods several times I realized that I led strategic planning constantly, but didn’t recognize that fact. What is a green building charrette/eco-charrette/LEED® workshop, but a strategic plan for integrative design? I started modifying the techniques for project workshops and even education seminars.
A colleague who has participated in a couple of these sessions said “it’s like magic” Everyone is amazed with how it comes together, and excited because they co-created the plan. After working with a dedicated group of leaders who had planned events together for years, my colleague also mentioned that she could see the value of engaging a third party with no vested interest in the outcome, and who didn’t have to interact with other participants on a regular basis. That facilitator can neutrally, assertively, and kindly keep the group on task. After all, it’s awkward to tell your boss it’s time to move on to a new topic.
So the next time you’re considering cutting out the middle (wo)man, think about how much more effectively you could come to resolution – translation: save time and money – if you turned to a third party for help.
Michelle Halle Stern, Chief Co-Creator at The Green Facilitator