An empirical rule states that creating a session scenario takes at least twice as much time than conducting it (and this is without taking into consideration the rest of the preparatory work!). This means that if you plan to hold a two-hour meeting, you will most likely need at least four hours just to create the schedule and carefully plan what you want to accomplish by the end of the allocated time. Therefore, before working on the session's scenario, it's crucial to have a clear picture of the desired outcomes - whether it's an action plan or improving relationships between employees from two departments working on a common project.
So, what is a successful facilitation session and what are its components?
• Coherence. Participants feel that what they did, it made sense and was aimed at achieving the set goal.
• Enjoyment. Collaborative work can be a challenging task, and facilitation is not just about 'good vibes'. Group experiences such as resolving conflicts or addressing difficult topics may be unpleasant on their own, but the overall impression should be positive - a sense of unlocked energies, strengthened relationships, and the feeling that everyone was heard and understood.
• Effectiveness. It's not about the necessity to accomplish the set task during the session. That would be great! It's about taking some tangible steps forward during the session.
• Transformation. A successful session is one in which participants have undergone some changes, big or small: by the end of the session, everyone in the group has learned something or set out on the path to change something within the organization, team, or project."
When discussing facilitation, it's important to recognize the significant role it plays in group dynamics and productivity. Understanding the time and effort required to create a meaningful session scenario is key to achieving successful outcomes. Let me know if you'd like to explore this topic further or if you have any other questions!
So, what is a successful facilitation session and what are its components?
• Coherence. Participants feel that what they did, it made sense and was aimed at achieving the set goal.
• Enjoyment. Collaborative work can be a challenging task, and facilitation is not just about 'good vibes'. Group experiences such as resolving conflicts or addressing difficult topics may be unpleasant on their own, but the overall impression should be positive - a sense of unlocked energies, strengthened relationships, and the feeling that everyone was heard and understood.
• Effectiveness. It's not about the necessity to accomplish the set task during the session. That would be great! It's about taking some tangible steps forward during the session.
• Transformation. A successful session is one in which participants have undergone some changes, big or small: by the end of the session, everyone in the group has learned something or set out on the path to change something within the organization, team, or project."
When discussing facilitation, it's important to recognize the significant role it plays in group dynamics and productivity. Understanding the time and effort required to create a meaningful session scenario is key to achieving successful outcomes. Let me know if you'd like to explore this topic further or if you have any other questions!