Keep meetings, group discussions, and other activities organized and on schedule. Develop your own style of facilitation by learning group dynamics, strategic management of decision-making, and problem-solving. Discover time-tested techniques for managing conflict, methods of intervention, and effective listening and feedback.
Target Audience
This course is perfect for individuals who want to enhance their facilitation skills and ensure productive, well-organized meetings and group discussions. Ideal attendees include team leaders, project managers, educators, and anyone responsible for guiding group activities.
Prerequisite
Students should have prior experience participating in or leading team meetings, applying basic problem-solving techniques, engaging in effective interpersonal communication, and managing group dynamics or conflict in collaborative settings.
What You'll Learn at a Glance
- Describe and contract for the role of a facilitator.
- Explain when and how to use groups for cooperative problem solving.
- Facilitate selected group problem-solving processes.
- Effectively respond to a variety of common meeting problems.
- Diagnose stages of team development and how teams function.
- Describe adult education principles.
- Observe and utilize interpersonal and group dynamics to enhance the group process.
- Use practical guidelines to give/receive constructive feedback, build consensus, and practice effective listening.
- Explain how the personality types of the facilitator and members affect communication and group life.
Course Syllabus
Module 1: Facilitation
- Definition of facilitation
- Reasons why facilitators are necessary
- Common problems faced when managers run their own meetings
- The role of the facilitator in managing group processes
Module 2: Team Development
- Definition and components of a team
- Advice on forming teams
- Stages of team development
Module 3: The Facilitator Role
- Roles and responsibilities of a facilitator
- Short-term and long-term goals for facilitators
- Facilitator’s role in improving group processes
Module 4: Facilitating Improvement Teams Using Problem-Solving Techniques
- Problem-solving process and techniques
- Tools like fishbone diagrams, brainstorming, and nominal group technique (NGT)
- Force field analysis for decision making
Module 5: Interpersonal Communication
- Key concepts in interpersonal communication
- Giving and receiving feedback effectively
Module 6: Facilitation Skills
- Essential skills for group facilitators
- Listening and asking effective questions
- Handling group dynamics
Module 7: Group Dynamics
- Basic concerns of group dynamics
- Data flow, goal formation, and decision-making processes
Module 8: Conflict Resolution
- Goals for resolving conflicts
- Different strategies for dealing with conflict
- Conflict management techniques
Module 9: Dealing with Problem Participants and Problem Situations
- Handling difficult participants
- Prevention and intervention strategies
Module 10: Self-Assessment Action Planning
- Action planning for personal and professional growth
