Workshop facilitation is a key determinant of the success of many group activities.
Facilitation involves guiding a group of individuals through a series of structured exercises during a team-building activity .
The facilitator has a big say in how well the exercises go because they act as a neutral, non-participatory hubIn the context of LEGO, a "hub" refers to a programmable con... More around which the group turns.
A facilitator also has something of a pastoral role – he or she is charged with creating an environment where diverse points of view can emerge.
This in turn helps the team move from the ideas stage of the exercise to taking actionable decisions as the activity moves forward.
Find out more below.
Facilitator takeaways
- A facilitator helps teams talk, perform activities, and guides decision-making.
- A facilitator gives structure to an exercise, encouraging participation, creativity, and inclusivity.
- A facilitator helps build trust, and mutual understanding among members.
The role of a facilitator
The facilitator plays a key role in team-building events and workshops.
It’s easy to think that the workshop facilitator is just a fancy name for a mediator, but the role is more nuanced and multifaceted than that.
Facilitators are more proactive than mediators – rather than stepping in only when disagreements arise, facilitators actively shape the workshop process.
That means a good facilitator will take an active hand in:
- Coming up with engaging group activities.
- Guiding conversations into productive channels.
- Encouraging everyone to take part in discussions and activities.
- Mediating and managing the conflicts.
- Helping to give shape and direction to the group’s ideas.
How to approach facilitating a workshop
1. Understand the why behind the workshop
Understanding why you are bringing this particular group of individuals together is key to the success of any workshop activity, as the reason for bringing people together informs the format and approach of the workshop.
Indeed, a strong sense of purpose ensures the workshop focuses on the right things and all participants get something from the exercise.
2. Define what you expect to get out of the workshop
Without clear goals and expectations, a workshop runs the risk of becoming unfocused, directionless and a bit of a damp squib.
You, therefore, need to be clear on your expectations from the get-go, – is it better, clearer communication among members? Boosted morale? Improved mutual understanding? Diversity training? Or a mix of all of these?
3. Map out participation expectations
You need to know not just who will take part in the workshop, but what role they will be expected to play during it.
By mapping out individual member participation, you can ensure you make the most of the activities.
4. Design the right structure and approach
A successful workshop requires more than bringing people together – it requires careful planning of how participants will move through the session.
Consider which activities, exercises, and facilitation techniques will best support the desired outcomes.
5. Have clear actions to follow up on
A successful workshop should create momentum beyond the session itself.
By following up on the workshop, you can ensure the workshop leads to meaningful outcomes rather than being just a one-off discussion.
Ensuring a positive experience for the team
Preparation is key with facilitated workshops.
By familiarising yourself with the team before the start date, you can tweak the session based on the sector and experience of the participants.
Conclusion
A good workshop facilitator is an important cog in the workshop experience, ensuring the activities are structured, engaging and purposeful.
Find the right facilitator, and you can guarantee your workshop passes off successfully, meaning the activities are both meaningful and lessons learnt stay with participants long after the session has closed.
If you’re looking for a workshop that is fun, engaging, and likely completely different to anything you’ve done in the past, we’d leave to speak to you. Contact us to learn more about the benefits of a workshop with LEGO bricks for your team.