A facilitator is an individual who's job is to help to manage a process of information exchange. While an expert's" role is to offer advice, particularly about the content of a discussion, the facilitator's role is to help with HOW the discussion is proceeding. In other words, facilitating main purpose is in the journey, not the destination!
In the Foreword to Facilitator’s Guide to Participatory Decision Making by Sam Kaner, Michael Doyle presents two important lessons learned. "Lesson one: if people don’t participate in and ‘own’ the solution to the problems or agree to the decision, implementation will be half-hearted at best, probably misunderstood, and, more likely than not, fail. The second lesson is that the key differentiating factor in the success of an organization is not just the products and services, not just its technology or market share, but the organization’s ability to elicit, harness, and focus the vast intellectual capital and goodwill in their members, employees, and stakeholders. When these get energized and focused, the organization becomes a powerful force for positive change in today’s business and societal environments."
How does this role enhance team performance?
The role of facilitator enhances team performance by helping teams to operate more efficiently. A facilitator must know what questions to ask, when to ask them and how questions should be structured to get good answers without prompting defensiveness.
I tend to relate as a team-member to the team and facilitating by the following:
• Offer perspective and ideas
• Actively participate in team meetings
• Adhere to meeting ground rules
• Complete assignments on time
• Support implementation of recommendations
I am definitely an engaging person in a team setting. I believe it is essential to accomplish the mission. Engaging people in a team setting, helps them understand that their work is important. I tend to believe that people want to contribute, so engaging people fully in their work to enable them to use their talents and have a sense of fulfilment is top priority!
My facilitation style definitely aims to improve team cohesion and collaboration! The best efforts of teams usually produce better results than individual efforts. Increased participation within the group definitely increases productivity. Once the team realizes this fact, they become unstoppable!
What is a relationship-building role?
Building relationships is just as important within the project team as it is outside. Good relationships can be the difference between outstanding success and dismal failure because it's all about getting people to like and trust you so that they will deliver what you need them to deliver at the right time in the right way. As with anything that involves people, establishing processes to encourage good communication and relationships and make clear expectations, provides the cornerstone for success in any project.
How does this role enhance team performance?
Anytime, relationships are being built, the foundation of team performance is being strengthened. The team members not only share expectations for accomplishing group tasks, but trust and support one another and respect one another's individual differences.
I generally relate as a team-member openly to relationship-building! The type of relationship that comes from relationship-building is one that is open, respectful and motivating!
It is important to me to actively engage my team to accomplish its mission because it feels really great to be part of something that is successful!
I definitely work to improve team cohesion and collaboration! Teams that are not committed to each other or a common goal, do not experience cohesion and are much more like to leave the team or even the organization.
Reference:
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/citizenship/DH7429.html
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