5 Lessons from World-Class Facilitators.
Key Insights for Better Workshops
With summer holidays around the (Facilitator) corner, the days are getting a bit more relaxed (at least in theory), so it might be the perfect time to level up your facilitation skills.
To help you with that, let me share some of the biggest learnings I’ve gained recently. These insights come from my podcast, UXYZ, where I had the privilege of connecting with top-notch workshop facilitators, and from the Inner Circle Mentorship community at AJ&Smart, which provided invaluable wisdom.
Why keep these golden nuggets to myself? Let’s share these key lessons together!
(Kicking off the article of the day with a bad pun? Check. 😂)
#1 : Silence speaks volumes : Not intervening is an intervention !
This one hit home for me. I aim for efficiency and smooth experiences in my workshops. When I notice participants struggling, my instinct is to jump in and help immediately. However, I’ve come to realize that allowing some struggle is necessary. It connects with a golden rule of facilitation: “Being the guide, not the hero.” Dumbledore, many times, could have stepped in to assist Harry, but he let him figure things out on his own, allowing him to learn and grow.
#2 : Trust is earned, not demanded : Build it before seeking it !
Facilitators commonly encourage participants to trust the process. Yet, a vital aspect that is sometimes missed is the facilitators’ need to establish trust with participants upfront. Cultivating this trust entails connecting with them, showing empathy, addressing their concerns, and making it evident that your support is available. This underscores the importance of early workshop moments, such as the preparation call, in fostering this trust. Once established, participants find it more natural to trust the process.
#3 : Fun fuels engagement : “People just wanna have fun!”
This year, I facilitated my first workshop with high-level executives. While I was clear about the activities to achieve their goals, I wasn’t sure about including an icebreaker… You might consider it a minor detail, but I firmly believe that it’s a crucial element for a seamless workshop. Icebreakers foster connections among participants and create a more comfortable atmosphere — essential in any successful workshop.
However, I hesitated, considering the busy schedules of board members. I questioned if they’d find it irritating and debated removing this key ingredient. Seeking guidance, I jumped into a coaching call with Jonathan. He emphasized that everyone, including board members, enjoys having fun. Taking his advice, I included the icebreaker, and it turned out to be a success.
#4 : Empower, don’t overshadow : You can help, not do it for them !
As a facilitator, my mission is to guide clients in tackling problems, generating ideas, and crafting strategies and roadmaps. I always give it my all because I genuinely want my clients to succeed and bring our collaborative ideas to life.
However, a recent coaching call reminded me that, ultimately, I’m not accountable for their actions. While I can accelerate and enhance their journey, the day-to-day efforts rest on their shoulders. It’s a realization that brings peace — I can help them climb the stairs faster and safer, but I can’t prevent them from stumbling.
#5: Set, manage, repeat : Expectation management is a continuous effort !
Managing participants’ expectations is the most important thing to ensure a seamless workshop. However, this shouldn’t be a one-shot effort at the start of the workshop but a continuous one throughout the entire session, even within specific activities. Priming participants for potential challenges equips them to face adversity with greater focus and ease. By setting expectations for the worst, they become mentally prepared, allowing them to manage such situations better.
What a year so far ! Learning and growing through both hands-on experience in my craft and engaging with brilliant minds has been the highlight. Selecting just one lesson from each world-class facilitator was a tough call, given the range of brilliant insights. But like in any good workshop, decisions need to be made. For deeper insights, check out UXYZ on your favorite podcast platform. Happy learning!
If you’re interested, I’m launching the second edition of the Facilitator’s Corner Cohort. Feel free to message me on LinkedIn or email me at Ennaizi.mehdi@gmail.com for more details.
For more content on facilitation, feel free to follow me on LinkedIn ! I regularly write about workshop facilitation and how it can help your team solve big problems, generate new ideas and make the right decision faster.