Whether you're leading a workshop, meeting, can the difference between achieving meaningful results and missing the mark be linked to the quality of facilitator?
Facilitation is both an art and a skill that requires a blend of curiosity, communication, and strategy. There are many important qualities in facilitation, but for me, the most essential ones are rooted in a non-judgmental attitude and a willingness to share. Based on my experiences, here are the top 7 qualities that every skilled facilitator should have:
Active Listening
The foundation of effective facilitation is the ability to truly listen to others. Active listening goes beyond just hearing words; it involves understanding the underlying emotions and perspectives.
Often, we operate on autopilot, thinking about how to respond while pretending to listen. Active listening allows the facilitator to focus on the moment and be more responsive to participants. This quality ensures that all participants feel heard and valued, while also allowing the facilitator to gauge how they are being perceived and adjust accordingly.
Curiosity
That is- impartiality grounded on curiosity. A facilitator’s role is to guide the process, not influence the outcome with personal biases. Staying neutral and open-minded helps in managing different viewpoints and ensuring that the decision-making process is fair and balanced.
People will only share when they feel truly welcomed. If the facilitator has a strong and didactic approach on any subject, it will inevitably push participants away. The opposite is also true—sometimes facilitators' biases can be challenged during a workshop. If they hold on too tightly to their biases, they’ll soon miss the point. This is why curiosity about how each workshop might unfold with different group dynamics is what makes facilitation so interesting and fun.
Communication Skills
Communication isn't just about talking; it’s about connecting with participants in a way that makes them feel heard and understood. A good facilitator uses communication to build trust, clarify expectations, and manage the flow of the session. By asking the right questions, they should spark thought, guide discussions efficiently, and avoid dominating the conversation. In my experience, participants are more willing to express their views when they feel they won’t be judged and that their contributions are welcome.
Additionally, clear and effective communication can reach participants from diverse backgrounds and isn’t limited to specific profiles. I love facilitating sessions for groups with different backgrounds—not just in terms of language and culture but also with people from different functions within an organization. When facilitated wisely, these sessions can lead to a convergence of rich perspectives that contribute to the organization’s identity.
Confidence/Research
Facilitators should exhibit confidence and maintain a positive attitude. This is especially important during difficult discussions or when the group hits a deadlock, as it helps build trust and motivates participants.
To have this confidence, a facilitator needs to know the subject inside and out, and think ahead about potential questions and challenges that might arise during the workshop. This is the strategic thinking part.
However, for me, confidence is also linked to honesty and integrity: being able to say “I don’t know” when faced with difficult questions from participants, rather than trying to maintain authority and feeling compelled to give an answer. Sometimes, no matter how well-researched or knowledgeable you are on a topic, you just don’t know the answer. In my view, being able to admit this and seek support from participants is something a truly confident facilitator who believes in group dynamics can do.
Flexibility
Even if you deliver the same training multiple times, no two groups will ever be the same. This is where the fun lies, I believe. Adult learning methods are interactive, and as participants change, so does the interaction. Therefore, a facilitator must be able to adapt their style and approach to the unique needs and dynamics of each group.
Being flexible and responsive enhances the effectiveness of facilitation. Sometimes you need to change the order of activities, and other times you may need to extend or shorten certain discussions. Flexibility that keeps a pulse on the group enhances the quality of the training.
Cultural Sensitivity
In today’s globalized world, cultural sensitivity is more important than ever. Respecting and understanding different perspectives and cultural nuances ensures that all participants feel valued and understood, creating a truly inclusive environment.
I consider myself lucky. I work with participants from different cultures and countries, and discussing cultural codes in workshops or paying special attention to them during the preparation stage broadens and enriches my perspective as a facilitator. For example, one of the most popular activities in a training I conducted for interpreters was translating idioms from different languages. Such activities remind me of how cultural values shape what we assume to be universal. Keeping cultural differences in mind at every step of facilitation helps keep my horizons open.
Humor
Humor is a powerful tool often overlooked in facilitation. It connects people, fosters a sense of closeness among participants, and reduces barriers to engagement. It’s used to break the ice, soften the atmosphere, and make learning more enjoyable and memorable.
From using memes in workshops to exploring the contradictions of human nature through humor, these are my go-to strategies because participants will appreciate well-timed and appropriate humor. By “well-timed and appropriate,” I mean within the bounds of respect and cultural differences. Moreover, being able to laugh at oneself is a sign of a healthy ego. In an environment relaxed by humor, learning retention is strengthened. Participants feel comfortable discussing even the most difficult topics. Simply put, we learn by having fun.
Being an effective facilitator is not just about guiding a workshop or meeting; it’s about empowering participants and fostering an environment where everyone can contribute meaningfully. By developing these qualities, facilitators can enhance their ability to lead discussions that are not only productive but also enriching for all participants.
So, what would you add to the list above? Planning? Group management?
Please share in the comments.
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