10 Things to Consider When Engaging a Facilitator

John Bennett/ November 7, 2018/ Facilitation, Services

A facilitator is a skilled professional who is engaged to work with a leader to help a team or group accomplish a task—e.g., solve a problem, build team effectiveness, resolve a conflict, or develop a plan. The following factors should be considered when engaging a facilitator.

1. Facilitation Skills
   • Do they have knowledge of interpersonal and group dynamics?
   • Do they have experience working with groups who are facing the task your group will have?
   • Do they have experience working with groups similar to yours?
   • Do they have process consultation skills?

2. Available

1. • Are they available for your meeting?
   • Are they available for preparatory work?

3. Style Fit

1. • Does their temperament and style align with you and your group?

4. Grasp the Desired Outcomes for the Meeting

1. • Do they understand 

5. Capable of Addressing Complex Interpersonal and Group Dynamics

1. • Do they have knowledge of complex interpersonal and group dynamics?
   • Do they have the skills to address complex interpersonal and group dynamics?

6. Agility

1. • Will they be flexible and adept at addressing the emerging needs of the group?

7. Credibility with the Participants

1. • Will they have contextual credibility with your group?
   • Will they have process facilitating credibility with your group?

8. Able to Establish and Maintain Trust

1. • Are they able to establish trust quickly with members of your group?
   • Are they able to challenge the group and maintain trust?

9. Understanding of and Use of Themselves

1. • Do they have a keen awareness of themselves?
   • Do they have a master of themselves and their triggers when working with others?

10. Compensation

1. • Are their compensation and expenses aligned with your budget?

© 2018, John L. Bennett. All Rights Reserved.