A facilitator is responsible for guiding a group to meet an objective. This document details the elements of effective facilitation.

1. Funnels energy toward
the goal.
Titrates the information into a
quantifiable and succinct result.
Ensures the
outcome aligns
with expectations.
Suggests strategies
and methods to
approach the
problem.
Encourages all
to participate.
Holds the team
steady during
stormy reactions.
Provides a safe and
secure foundation of
trust, empathy, and
clear expectations.
Filters out non-value added
discussions and knows that
excessing filtering causes
communication clogs.
Asks evocative questions to
guide the process.
e.g., “How does this align with
our goals?”
Manages group
interactions.
The Chemistry of Facilitation
A facilitator is responsible for guiding a group to meet an objective. An effective facilitator creates an environment that
promotes exploration and participation. Successful facilitators are experts in group process, interpersonal communication,
and problem-solving. The facilitator is not necessarily a content expert.
Studies everything to
celebrate victories, learn
from mistakes, and
continuously improve.
Maintains an
objective and
logical structure.
Only shares
content
expertise or
opinions when
the team asks or
gives permission.
An effective facilitator…
Created by Mark Valenti, valentimd@gmail.com from content on MindTools, Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Inc.