A facilitated workshop goes beyond facilitating a single meeting. Done well, it can be used as a tool to perform many project management tasks. Good facilitation
- keeps the participants on track,
- avoids common meeting pitfalls (such as group-think),
- manages conflict,
- clarifies key points (such as decisions),
- and ensures a record of the workshop outputs.
The facilitator[]
The facilitator is often an external person brought in to manage the workshop. As an external party, the facilitator can more easily be neutral. She or he does not hold as many pre-determined beliefs about the topics under review. However, as an external party, the facilitator will need some information in order to lead the group appropriately.
Planning[]
One key to a well run workshop is planning. Key stakeholders must work with the facilitator in advance to discuss things like the goal(s) of the workshop. The facilitator may have multiple tools and techniques that can be employed to achieve the goals. The facilitator can do his or her job better with a preview of the jargon, attendees, and current state. The facilitator will then design the workshop by identifying the steps and agenda. In addition to activities directly aimed at the main goal, these might include team-building activities, activities designed to stimulate creativity, or other tasks that may indirectly help the participants.
Logistics[]
The workshop can be only as long as a single meeting or can run over a few days. It is often helpful to have the workshop at a special location, away from everyday work distractions.
During the workshop[]
Results of the workshop[]
Related: ground rules, group creativity techniques, group decision-making techniques, facilitation techniques, meeting management