Chat tools, pods, VoIP, asynchronous conversations … it’s enough to make my head spin! I am venturing into the wonderful world of on-line facilitation and training. What an exhilarating learning experience! To date, I have facilitated about ten on-line meetings and delivered about six training webinars. I am using Adobe Connect virtual meeting software through the courtesy of ACE Communities, an initiative of Alberta Recreation and Parks Association and TrendSpire Canada Inc.
What have I learned? Wow! Here is a start.
Just do it! I was anxious, nervous and a little bit scared during my first online facilitation session. Those feelings quickly dissipated as I interacted with the participants. While I couldn’t see the participants, I felt their energy as we talked, typed, used images, and took part in polls. I can’t wait until I facilitate with all participants having web cameras!
Research the many wonderful resources about virtual meetings and webinars. Google “virtual meeting software” and you will find a treasure-trove of resources. Join virtual facilitation groups through online communities.
Practice, practice, practice! I started my adventure by participating in as many free webinars and online meetings as I could find. You will see the tremendous variation in online training and facilitation sessions, and you learn what you like and dislike.
Prepare as you would for face to face facilitation and training sessions. Think of purpose, participants, process, pleasure … and design to help the participants achieve their desired results and have fun.
Involve the participants. In a training session, I think that every five minutes, the participants should interact. In a facilitated meeting, I design so that participants are holding conversations like they would in a face-to-face meeting. Use on-line polls, games, and drawings - the software allows these activities. Use interesting questions. Go “around the phones or computers”, as if participants are in a circle, and ask for input.
Move, move, move! Every 20 minutes during the online session, I lead the participants in a physical energizer. Stand up at your desk, stretch, do the Wave, juggle imaginary balls.
Have a technology host. I find that facilitating the session and dealing with technological aspects of the online session is too hard for me! I need a techno-wizard.
These ideas only skim the world of facilitating online! I am eager to continue my journey into virtual training and facilitation.
My facilitation blog question is: What experiences have you had as a participant or host or facilitator of an online session?
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Monday, January 31, 2011
Facilitate ... as “a way of being”
A bag of tools and tricks?! I know facilitation is much more! From conversations I have held, I think that some individuals view facilitation as tools, techniques, and methods. Knowing and being able to lead “get acquainted” activities, guiding group members through a particular discussion technique, and offering fun energizers are examples of what many people see as facilitation.
I believe facilitation is much more! It is a way of behaving based on sound beliefs and philosophies which in turn support approaches and methods. I am currently reading a book that speaks profoundly to me about this fundamental underpinning of facilitation. Larry Dressler in his book “Standing in the Fire: leading high-heat meetings with clarity, calm and courage” speaks of the WHAT, the HOW, and the WAY OF BEING of facilitation. Quoting from Dressler,
“The What is the content of the gatherings we facilitate, which includes the purpose, questions, challenges, and possibilities that matter most to the people in the groups we serve
The How is the structures, methods, skills, and techniques we use to help a group mobilize its collective energy, insights, and commitment to action.
The Way of Being is who we are being while we are working with a group. It is an attitudinal, emotional, physical, and even spiritual presence.”
The What or content is normally “owned” by the group members with the facilitator adding content expertise and advice only as agreed upon with the group members. When appropriate, I ask a group if I can “take off my facilitator hat” and provide content information in more of a consulting role.
The How is what I as a facilitator primarily does. I bring my ability to help groups to discuss complex and important content in meaningful, respectful, and beneficial ways. My ability to effectively perform the How depends on my ability to “be with the group”.
How do I bring my presence or way of being to a group? Many ways of thinking and behaving create my way of being. Here are some – the tip of the iceberg:
• Thinking of the group members, as individuals and as the group, before I reach the gathering. Where are they coming from? What are they leaving to attend? What might they want to achieve? What can I do to work with them to create a challenging and safe environment?
• Using opening and closing conversations to help the group members share who they are, why they are participating, what they contribute, and what they take away with them
• Constantly reflecting throughout the conversations with the group about what is happening; staying calm; openly acknowledging what I observe and feel; and inviting group members to do the same. I hold a quick internal dialogue with myself such as: What do I see or hear? What might it mean for the group? How would talking about it help the group?
• Facilitate what is happening, rather than what I think should or could happen. Respecting the group and its members to know what they need to talk about. Be in the “here and now”; not the past or future.
• Being silent when I do not need to speak. Helping the group hold necessary silence.
• Thinking about when to do nothing. Resisting the urge to act, to do something.
• Knowing when to do something! To me, this is usually providing a group with the implications of its discussion and actions, e.g. Talking about this new topic will take at least an hour. What aspects of our current conversation topics do we wish to adjust to allow this new topic?
• Having fun! Creating moments of fun! Yes, energizers are great!
My facilitation blog question is: What do you do as a facilitator to be present with a group; to nurture your “way of being?”
I believe facilitation is much more! It is a way of behaving based on sound beliefs and philosophies which in turn support approaches and methods. I am currently reading a book that speaks profoundly to me about this fundamental underpinning of facilitation. Larry Dressler in his book “Standing in the Fire: leading high-heat meetings with clarity, calm and courage” speaks of the WHAT, the HOW, and the WAY OF BEING of facilitation. Quoting from Dressler,
“The What is the content of the gatherings we facilitate, which includes the purpose, questions, challenges, and possibilities that matter most to the people in the groups we serve
The How is the structures, methods, skills, and techniques we use to help a group mobilize its collective energy, insights, and commitment to action.
The Way of Being is who we are being while we are working with a group. It is an attitudinal, emotional, physical, and even spiritual presence.”
The What or content is normally “owned” by the group members with the facilitator adding content expertise and advice only as agreed upon with the group members. When appropriate, I ask a group if I can “take off my facilitator hat” and provide content information in more of a consulting role.
The How is what I as a facilitator primarily does. I bring my ability to help groups to discuss complex and important content in meaningful, respectful, and beneficial ways. My ability to effectively perform the How depends on my ability to “be with the group”.
How do I bring my presence or way of being to a group? Many ways of thinking and behaving create my way of being. Here are some – the tip of the iceberg:
• Thinking of the group members, as individuals and as the group, before I reach the gathering. Where are they coming from? What are they leaving to attend? What might they want to achieve? What can I do to work with them to create a challenging and safe environment?
• Using opening and closing conversations to help the group members share who they are, why they are participating, what they contribute, and what they take away with them
• Constantly reflecting throughout the conversations with the group about what is happening; staying calm; openly acknowledging what I observe and feel; and inviting group members to do the same. I hold a quick internal dialogue with myself such as: What do I see or hear? What might it mean for the group? How would talking about it help the group?
• Facilitate what is happening, rather than what I think should or could happen. Respecting the group and its members to know what they need to talk about. Be in the “here and now”; not the past or future.
• Being silent when I do not need to speak. Helping the group hold necessary silence.
• Thinking about when to do nothing. Resisting the urge to act, to do something.
• Knowing when to do something! To me, this is usually providing a group with the implications of its discussion and actions, e.g. Talking about this new topic will take at least an hour. What aspects of our current conversation topics do we wish to adjust to allow this new topic?
• Having fun! Creating moments of fun! Yes, energizers are great!
My facilitation blog question is: What do you do as a facilitator to be present with a group; to nurture your “way of being?”
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Facilitate ... with best wishes
During this holiday season, I enjoy giving and receiving best wishes to and from all I meet. Whether we say Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays, the intent of good will is heartily meant and felt. During a recent walk with my two dogs in a snowy wintry wonderland, I found myself thinking about how best wishes apply in my facilitation work. I know that I go into each facilitation session with the intent of best wishes. I want to do my best work to help individuals and groups explore questions, seek understanding, listen to others, and reach meaningful decisions.
I firmly believe that most people I interact with also act within the intent of best wishes. Yes, there are exceptions! A few “humbugs” can be heard or seen within facilitated sessions. However, these Scrooge-like individuals often have a valid reason for their emotions, and through genuine conversation, they often exhibit more positive attitudes.
As I enjoy another deeply meaningful Christmas season, I plan to reinforce best wishes to all in my personal and professional lives.
As my son said in our family Christmas letter,
Merry whatever holiday you celebrate to all!
I firmly believe that most people I interact with also act within the intent of best wishes. Yes, there are exceptions! A few “humbugs” can be heard or seen within facilitated sessions. However, these Scrooge-like individuals often have a valid reason for their emotions, and through genuine conversation, they often exhibit more positive attitudes.
As I enjoy another deeply meaningful Christmas season, I plan to reinforce best wishes to all in my personal and professional lives.
As my son said in our family Christmas letter,
Merry whatever holiday you celebrate to all!
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