The Secrets of Facilitation: The SMART Guide to Getting Results with GroupsThe revised edition of this facilitation classic offers a wealth of targeted techniques for facilitators who seek effective, consistent, and repeatable results. Based on Michael Wilkinson's proven SMART (Structured Meeting And Relating Techniques) approach, The Secrets of Facilitation can help to achieve stellar results when managing, presenting, teaching, planning, and selling, as well as other professional and personal situations. This expanded edition includes new chapters on facilitating virtual meetings, cross-cultural teams, and large groups and conferences. It also provides a series of strategies for engaging teams, additional information about making meetings more productive, and further guidance on preventing dysfunctional behavior. In addition, the book contains a wealth of fresh case studies and an ancillary website with must-have tools and techniques for both the beginner and the seasoned facilitator. Praise for the First Edition of The Secrets of Facilitation "One of the single most powerful processes is the ability to successfully lead a group to an impactful, actionable outcome. In The Secrets of Facilitation, beginning and experienced facilitators alike will find tools to take their results to the next level." Jim Canfield, chief learning officer, TEC International "This book shares 'The Secrets' that have been the basis of my facilitation practice for over a decade." Kerri McBride, past chair, International Association of Facilitators "In my career, I've seen many, many facilitators. Michael Wilkinson is the best. 'The Secrets' explain why." Len Roberts, CEO, RadioShack "We have trained over 100 leaders and business analysts in 'The Secrets.' Great facilitation works." Peter Scott, executive general manager, MLC National Australia Bank "At last there is a practical, hands-on guide for anyone who works with groups or teams. This book delivers!" Ann Herrmann-Nehdi, CEO, Herrmann International, Herrmann Brain Dominance Indicator |
Contents
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF A FACILITATOR? | 1 |
DESIGN YOUR QUESTIONS | 17 |
The Starting Question to Engage the VPs Number | 26 |
Applying the Questioning Techniques | 32 |
INFORM EXCITE EMPOWER INVOLVE | 57 |
Getting Started on Time | 74 |
THE POWER OF THE PENUSE | 101 |
The Power of the Pen ELMO and Parking Boards | 107 |
The LowKey Facilitator | 253 |
Using Team Building Activities | 259 |
Exercise Your Skills | 265 |
Customizing the Agenda | 274 |
Secret 63The Secret to Preparing for a Virtual Meeting | 293 |
Facilitators Checklist for Virtual Meetings | 300 |
Facilitating Conferences | 307 |
Facilitators Checklist for Facilitating Large Groups and Conferences | 314 |
Using Strategies to Avoid Lulls While Writing | 113 |
Applying the Secrets to Recording | 119 |
Understanding the Major Information Gathering | 125 |
REVIEW DEFINE EVALUATE END DEBRIEF | 155 |
CONSCIOUS | 175 |
Techniques for Early Detection | 183 |
When the Unexpected Happens | 196 |
Applying the Secrets to Managing Dysfunction | 203 |
CREATE AND MAINTAIN | 209 |
Understanding Why People Disagree | 215 |
Secret 48The Secret to Resolving a Level 3 Disagreement | 221 |
SET THE PACE ANTICIPATE THE LULLS | 247 |
Understanding Cultural Competency | 318 |
Applying the Secrets to CrossCultural Groups | 333 |
Facilitating for Morehouse | 347 |
Facilitators Checklist for Facilitating CrossCultural Groups | 364 |
The Pull Strategy at Hydro One | 370 |
From Training to Something Bigger at Direct Supply | 377 |
Best Practice Strategies | 385 |
Exercise Your Skills | 394 |
EPILOGUE | 417 |
Acknowledgments | 431 |
| 443 | |