More directly, we emergency managers can do a large number of meetings where we are called upon to facilitate the discussion. I know for staff retreats I've called upon an outside facilitator to come in and assist us in our discussions. Having a neutral party guiding the conversation can be very helpful.
Rather than use Google to find the answer, I thought I'd provide you with a list of facilitator characteristics that if followed lead to better discussions and hopefully better outcomes.
On the other end of the spectrum, the absolute worst facilitator is the one who talks all the time instead of promoting discussion. Been there, seen that!
Characteristics of an Expert Facilitator:
- General knowledge of the subject matter
- An excellent listener
- Comfortable with silence — does not fill the void with his or her own voice
- Uses personal subject matter expertise not to instruct, but to better form questions to draw group participants into the discussion.
- Actively seeks to garner input from everyone present, not just the talkative people in the room.
- Maintains a neutral position about all offered ideas and concepts that are espoused by participants.
- Encourages people to contribute, even if the information is contrary to thinking of the majority of the people present.
- Maintains personal high energy level, body posture and movement throughout the room to keep people engaged in the discussion.
