{"id":6583,"date":"2017-11-07T00:01:26","date_gmt":"2017-11-07T05:01:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/?p=6583"},"modified":"2026-04-21T13:18:54","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T17:18:54","slug":"facilitation-skills","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/facilitation-skills\/","title":{"rendered":"Facilitation Skills Ensure Quicker and Fewer Meetings that Get Results"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Successful leaders have one thing in common: <span style=\"color: #606101;\"><span style=\"color: #035993;\">Strong facilitation skills<\/span>.<\/span> What are the core facilitation skills (or, facilitator skills)? Which skills do you need to lead a successful meeting? Depending on who you ask, there may be:<\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"s1\"><a href=\" https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/how-to-ensure-neutral-facilitation\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-7615\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><img wpfc-lazyload-disable=\"true\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-7615 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/LeadFacMeth-e1525289132693.jpg\" alt=\"Strong Facilitation Skills\" width=\"298\" height=\"300\" \/><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s2\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">6 Essential Facilitator Skills<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s2\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">9 Meeting Facilitation Skills<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s2\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">9 Facilitation Skill Competencies<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s2\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Top 11 Facilitator Skills<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><em><span class=\"s2\">and of course, many, many others<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">20,000+ hours of experience as <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/endorsed-facilitators\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">facilitators<\/a> and trainers of professional facilitators have taught us about<span class=\"s1\">\u00a0<strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">one indispensable facilitation skill: the ability to remove distractions.<\/span><\/strong> Meeting leadership behavior can be guided by the simple question,<strong> \u201c<\/strong>Is it a distraction, or not?<strong>\u201d<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/selective-perception\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Subject matter experts<\/a> will actively contribute<strong> when they all focus on the same thing, at the same time.<\/strong> Getting a group to focus\u00a0provides a common challenge for any meeting leader.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><span class=\"s1\">We break down meeting effectiveness into three domain-general areas of skills. Each contains other, domain-specific skills. The three general areas include <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/facilitation-best-practices\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>meeting leadership, facilitation, and meeting design<\/strong><\/a>\u2014in that order. T<\/span>he mandala shows these primary skills. You provide other skills while confirming the group goal. Also, ensure that your people find the agenda acceptable.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_12203\" style=\"width: 510px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/FEVNMANDALA2.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12203\" class=\"wp-image-12203\" src=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/FEVNMANDALA2-300x300.png\" alt=\"Facilitation Skills\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/FEVNMANDALA2-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/FEVNMANDALA2-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/FEVNMANDALA2-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/FEVNMANDALA2.png 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-12203\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Facilitation Skills<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Core Facilitation Skills<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><i>Active listening<\/i><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Contacting and absorbing\u2014noting both verbal and <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/nonverbal-expressions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">nonverbal<\/a> behaviors<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/meeting-conflicts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Feedback<\/a>\u2014responding to participant\u2019s contribution<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Clarifying\u2014both expanding and focusing discussion<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/crucial-conversations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Confirming<\/a>\u2014the validity of the content<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/challenge-the-status-quo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Challenging<\/a>\u2014meaning and assumptions<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><i>Behavior changing<\/i><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Assessing the current behavior\u2014what are the risks, why they persist, what are environmental factors that may hinder progress<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Agreeing on goals for new behavior\u2014what the new behavior will look like<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Forming a <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/strategy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">strategy<\/a> for change\u2014finding sources of support for speeding up the change<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Monitoring the success of new behaviors<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Feeding back to continuously improve the process<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><i>Challenging<\/i><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Noting emotions, <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/evidence-based\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">logic<\/a>, and intuition in participants\u2014being aware of their experience<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Describing and sharing beliefs<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Challenging opinions<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Managing\u2014<a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/make-thinking-visible\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">conflict<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><i>Crisis intervention<\/i><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Appraising the nature and severity of the crisis<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Serving in a helpful way\u2014helping to expand each participant\u2019s vision of options, to mobilize each person&#8217;s sense of strength and coping<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Reinforcing <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/action-plan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">actions<\/a>\u2014that which has been determined to be the answer to the crisis<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><i>Leading<\/i><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Indirect\u2014getting started (e.g., <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/meeting-announcement\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">logistics<\/a>)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Direct\u2014encouraging dialogue<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Focusing\u2014limiting confusion and vagueness<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/power-of-questions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Questioning<\/a>\u2014guiding inquiries<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><i>Problem-solving and decision-making<\/i><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Stating the problem\/ issue and turning it into a goal statement<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Helping people express doubts or <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/fud-factor\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">fears<\/a> about why an idea \u201cwon&#8217;t work\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/meeting-documenter\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Documenting<\/a> options\/ action plans<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Gathering information about resources, constraints, related goals or issues, etc.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Helping them develop decision <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/smart-measures\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">criteria<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Selecting a backup<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Archiving\u00a0learning<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><i>Reflecting<\/i><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Opinions and\u00a0beliefs<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Experience and evidence<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Using content\u2014repeating the main message for clarity<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><i>Rhetoric (word choice)<\/i><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/facilitation-guidelines\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Parsimony<\/a>\u2014i.e., expressing the most with the least<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Language command\u2014properly applying the <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/rhetorical-precision\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">parts of speech<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Capturing <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/facilitate-meaning\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">meaning<\/a> in terms used and understood by the participants<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><i>Summarizing<\/i><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Pulling themes together<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Reinforcing the big picture<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><i>Supporting<\/i><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Creating a <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/collaborate\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">climate<\/a> of trust and respect<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Aiding in a healing method that helps to counter any <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/problems-in-meetings\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">attacking<\/a> forces<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">We break down each domain-general skill into domain-specific skills. Most of our blogs further explain each. Here we provide a simple listing. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"s1\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Domain-specific Facilitation Skills<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">The domain-specific skills below have been sorted alphabetically, as opposed to frequency, importance, etc.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"s2\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">\u00a01. Meeting Leadership<\/span><\/h4>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">1.1.<span class=\"s2\"> Awareness of local culture, life cycle, and terminology <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">1.2.<span class=\"s2\"> Consciousness of <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/facilitator-training\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">roles<\/a> in meeting<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">1.3.<span class=\"s2\"> Understanding the <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/holarchy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">holarchy<\/a> and reason for meeting<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"s2\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">2. Group Facilitation<\/span><\/h4>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">2.1.<span class=\"s2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/active-listening\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Active listening<\/a> and reflecting rationale<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">2.2.<span class=\"s2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/selective-perception\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Biases<\/a>: challenging participants and questioning<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">2.3.<span class=\"s2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/group-clarity\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Communications<\/a> and rhetorical precision<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">2.4.<span class=\"s2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/consensus-does-not-mean-that-participants-are-going-to-be-happy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Consensus<\/a> building and shared ownership<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">2.5.<span class=\"s2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/subject-matter-experts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Context<\/a> versus content<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">2.6.<span class=\"s2\"> Environmental control and real estate management<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">2.7.<span class=\"s2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/ground-rules\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Ground rules<\/a> and participant behavior<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">2.8.<span class=\"s2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/meeting-conflict\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Group<\/a> development and performance<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">2.9.<span class=\"s2\"> Interventions: Managing conflict and distractions<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">2.10.<span class=\"s2\"><a href=\" https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/how-to-ensure-neutral-facilitation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Neutrality<\/a>, non-verbal, and observation<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">2.11.<span class=\"s2\"> Output capture and <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/meeting-graphics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">visual<\/a> stimulation<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">2.12.<span class=\"s2\"> Thinking <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/group-decision-making-styles\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">styles<\/a> and heuristics<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"s2\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">3. Meeting Approach, Design, and Methodology<\/span><\/h4>\n<ol class=\"ol1\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ol class=\"ol1\">\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s2\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/building-agendas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Agenda<\/a> building and <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/tool-for-definitions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">tool<\/a> identification<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s2\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Constraints: ease, resources, and timing<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s2\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Continuous improvement and participant feedback<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s2\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Creativity and <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/innovation-results\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">innovation<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s2\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Daily Scrum and Retrospectives<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s2\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/decision-quality\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Decision-making<\/a> continuum <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s2\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Decision-matrix and <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/decision-quality\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">decision quality<\/a> testing<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s2\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/tool-for-definitions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Definitions<\/a>, glossaries, and lexicons<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s2\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Distributed teams and <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/online-meetings\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">virtual<\/a> participation (e.g., video presence)<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/meeting-documenter\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"s2\">Documenting<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s2\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Experience adapting and backup planning<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s2\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">External <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/workshop-canvas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">resources<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s2\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Focus: Avoiding many to many<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s2\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/political-risks-in-meetings\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Interviewing<\/a> and participant preparation<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s2\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Introductory activities (e.g., <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/icebreakers-for-large-groups\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">icebreakers<\/a>) <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s2\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Managing content while maintaining neutrality<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s2\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/purposes-of-meetings\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Meeting purpose<\/a>, scope, deliverable<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s2\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/action-plan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Planning<\/a>, analysis, and design approaches<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s2\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Preparation using an annotated agenda<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s2\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/facilitate-prioritization\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Prioritization<\/a> options<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s2\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Problem-solving prototypes<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s2\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/meeting-risk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Risk assessment<\/a> and measurement<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><span class=\"s2\">Scoping<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s2\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Scrubbing nouns and verbs and mitigating modifiers<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s2\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Tools selection and use (repeatability, scalability, and versatility) especially:<\/span>\n<ul class=\"ol1\">\n<li class=\"li3\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/action-plan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"s2\">Action plans<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/facilitate-alignment\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"s2\">Alignment<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/creativity-tool\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"s2\">Brainstorming<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s2\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Categorizing (i.e., affinity)<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s2\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/guardian-of-change-communications-plan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Communications<\/a> plan<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/meeting-purpose-tool\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"s2\">Consensual purpose<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><span class=\"s2\">Gap analysis<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s2\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Lookbacks and <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/after-action-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">after-action reviews<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s2\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Participant-specific (e.g., <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/root-cause-analysis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">root cause analysis<\/a>, NGT, etc.)<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s2\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/process-improvement-questions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Process flow<\/a> diagrams<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s2\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/requirements-gathering\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Requirements<\/a> articulation<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/raci-chart\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"s2\">Roles and responsibilities<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s2\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Shifting perspectives<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s2\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Trivium: <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/facilitate-speakers-conferences\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">content management<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s2\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/work-breakdown-structure\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Work breakdown structure<\/a> and team charters<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s2\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/meeting-wrap-up\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Wrap<\/a> or review activities (e.g., Parking Lot)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Why Do Facilitators with Skills Fail?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><span class=\"s1\">There remain a lot of talented facilitators who fail in their sessions. Poor\u00a0meeting design explains the primary reason for meeting failures.\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"s1\">Most groups want to show up, want to contribute, and want to do a good job\u2014yet meetings frequently fail. Why? They don\u2019t know how. Meeting design remains the secret to structured meetings.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\" style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">A good facilitator could operate successfully in various environments and cultures. <strong>To be successful, they need the right agenda, method, and tools.<\/strong><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>Unfortunately, most organizations do not teach meeting design and the facilitator is forced to take on a role they are not trained to handle.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Our alumni know that we frequently compare facilitation skills and attributes to those of a Navy SEAL. We stress the importance of remaining invisible (ie, neutral), focusing externally (ie, NOT on one\u2019s self), and embracing a strong sense of service to help others&#8212;to make it easy.<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h4><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>This is the first time we have recommended a hit in the face.<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">This extract derives from an article written by Chris Sajnog, a retired U.S. Navy SEAL Master Firearms Instructor and a Neural-Pathway Training Expert. For the entire article, turn your browser to <em>Twelve Ways to Live Like a Navy SEAL.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Mr. Sajnog stresses freedom and independence to help others through collaboration and focus. Thank you Mr. Sajnog for your service, inspiring thoughts, and articulate words. Special thanks to <a href=\"http:\/\/ramakrishnan6002.wordpress.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Gr8fullsoul<\/a> for his inspiring blogs, and pointing out Mr. Sajnog\u2019s article.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Hit in the Face Traits<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Use this list of traits found in a competent facilitator. Continue to the list of actions you can take to improve yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><u>Active<\/u>\u00a0\u2014 You need to be moving, doing, or functioning at all times. Ideas and theories are great, but action gets things done.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><u>Brave<\/u> \u2014 Brave doesn\u2019t mean you aren\u2019t afraid. It means YOU ARE, but you continue despite your fears.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><u>Confident<\/u> \u2014 A warrior is sure of himself and has no uncertainty about his abilities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><u>Decisive<\/u>\u00a0\u2014 Displaying no hesitation in battle is vital to survival.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><u>Disciplined<\/u> \u2014 Once you have a plan and confidence you can fulfill it, and have the discipline required to stick with it.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><u>Loving<\/u> \u2014 A warrior has confronted death and understands the value of life. Warriors whose lives are in balance are peaceful, unselfish, and compassionate of others. The love of others gives the warrior the energy to constantly train for battle and the strength to survive once he\u2019s there.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><u>Loyal<\/u> \u2014 A warrior needs direction, and that comes from being faithful to a cause, ideal, or group. Loyalty keeps you guided along your path.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><u>Patient<\/u>\u00a0\u2014 Having patience means bearing pains or trials calmly and without complaint.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><u>Skillful<\/u>\u00a0\u2014 Having the right mindset is vital, but learn a skill set to match.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><u>Strong<\/u>\u00a0\u2014 Have a determined will in all that you do. A strong mind can make up for a weak body, but not the other way around.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><u>Vigilant<\/u>\u00a0\u2014 You never know when danger is going to come knocking, and you need to be prepared to react appropriately.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Facilitator Actions<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Thus, <strong>actions you can take<\/strong>\u00a0to become a better facilitator include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Become a master at what you do. Everything in life is either worth doing well or it\u2019s not worth doing at all.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Embrace competition. Sign up for a race, a fight, or just challenge someone to arm wrestle. Prove that you\u2019re better than someone else at something or work until you are.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Find something you\u2019re afraid of and go do it. Everyone has fears \u2014 warriors (facilitators) overcome them.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Have a set of NUTs (Non-negotiable, Unalterable Terms) and live by them! Things you\u2019re not willing to compromise in life, period.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Start establishing routines and habits in everything you do. We are what we repeatedly do.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Start practicing some form of martial arts \u2014 if you\u2019ve never been hit in the face, go find out what it\u2019s like.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Work out. It doesn\u2019t matter what you do. Breathe hard and sweat.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Write down your goals and core values. If you don\u2019t have a map for your life, how will you get where you want to go?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>______<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">In a world where everyone can engage in decisions that affect them<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><b>______<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><b>Lead the Change\u2014One Meeting at a Time<\/b><b><\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Are you ready to transform how decisions are made, problems are solved, and alignment is built in your organization?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><b>True meeting leadership goes beyond setting an agenda.<\/b> It requires a facilitator who can navigate complexity, balance voices, and drive toward outcomes with clarity and consensus. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/public-facilitation-training\/\"><b>Professional Meeting Leadership Workshop<\/b><\/a> and facilitation training equips you to do just that\u2014blending <b>human-centric methods<\/b> with <b>structured analytical tools<\/b> to foster rigor, inclusivity, and results that stick.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><b><\/b><b>Practice live.<\/b><b><\/b><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><b><\/b><b>Get expert feedback.<\/b><b><\/b><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><b><\/b><b>Build confidence that lasts.<\/b><b><\/b><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Whether your meetings suffer from unclear objectives, disengaged participants, or decision fatigue, this workshop will help you <b>identify the root causes<\/b>, <b>apply proven facilitation techniques<\/b>, and <b>emerge as the leader every team needs<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><b>Take the first step today\u2014transform your meetings and magnify your impact.<\/b><b><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">\ud83d\udc49 <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/public-facilitation-training\/\"><b>Click here to reserve your seat now.<\/b><b><\/b><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 8pt;\"><i>#facilitationtraining #meetingdesign<\/i><\/span><i><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><b>Because every meeting should be a catalyst for change\u2014not just another calendar event.<\/b><\/span><b><\/b><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><b>______<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">With Bookmarks no longer a feature in WordPress, we provide the following for your benefit and reference.<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">20 Prioritization Techniques = <a href=\"https:\/\/foldingburritos.com\/product-prioritization-techniques\/\">https:\/\/foldingburritos.com\/product-prioritization-techniques\/<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Creativity Techniques = <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mycoted.com\/Category:Creativity_Techniques\">https:\/\/www.mycoted.com\/Category:Creativity_Techniques<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Facilitation Training Calendar = <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/public-facilitation-training-calendar\/\">https:\/\/mgrush.com\/public-facilitation-training-calendar\/<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Liberating Structures = <a href=\"http:\/\/www.liberatingstructures.com\/ls-menu\">http:\/\/www.liberatingstructures.com\/ls-menu<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Management Methods = <a href=\"https:\/\/www.valuebasedmanagement.net\/\">https:\/\/www.valuebasedmanagement.net<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Newseum = https:\/\/www.freedomforum.org\/todaysfrontpages\/<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">People Search = <a href=\"https:\/\/pudding.cool\/2019\/05\/people-map\/\">https:\/\/pudding.cool\/2019\/05\/people-map\/<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Project Gutenberg = http:\/\/www.gutenberg.org\/wiki\/Main_Page<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Scrum Events Agendas = <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/scrum-facilitation\/\">https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/scrum-facilitation\/<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Speed test = <a href=\"https:\/\/www.speedtest.net\/result\/8715401342\">https:\/\/www.speedtest.net\/result\/8715401342<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Teleconference call = <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/DYu_bGbZiiQ\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/DYu_bGbZiiQ<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">The Size of Space = https:\/\/neal.fun\/size-of-space\/<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Thiagi\/ 400 ready-to-use training games = <a href=\"http:\/\/thiagi.net\/archive\/www\/games.html\">http:\/\/thiagi.net\/archive\/www\/games.html<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Visualization methods = <a href=\"http:\/\/www.visual-literacy.org\/periodic_table\/periodic_table.html\">http:\/\/www.visual-literacy.org\/periodic_table\/periodic_table.html#<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><b>______<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Successful leaders have one thing in common: Strong facilitation skills. What are the core facilitation skills (or, facilitator skills)? Which skills do you need to lead a successful meeting? Depending on who you ask, there may be: 6 Essential Facilitator Skills 9 Meeting Facilitation Skills 9 Facilitation Skill Competencies Top 11 Facilitator Skills and of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":12203,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_wp_convertkit_post_meta":{"form":"-1","landing_page":"","tag":"0","restrict_content":"0"},"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[453185969,453185952,453185951,55884429],"tags":[453192433,453189562,453189029,453191140,453191013,453191014,453192432],"class_list":["post-6583","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-communication-skills","category-facilitation-skills","category-leadership-skills","category-meeting-support","tag-actions","tag-better-meetings","tag-facilitation-skills","tag-hit-in-the-face","tag-rush-professional-facilitation","tag-strong-facilitation-skills","tag-traits"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.8 (Yoast SEO v27.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Strong Facilitation Skills Guarantee More Successful Meetings<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Most groups want to show up, want to contribute, want to do a good job\u2014and yet meetings frequently fail. 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