Bringing the “Drop of Oil” to the Conversation
Strategy Corner
A “Drop of Oil”
“It was like putting a little drop of oil on us! Whenever we felt stuck, you just made an observation, or asked a question that, like a drop of oil, got us going again!”
So said one of the Board members I facilitated earlier this year in an introspection discussion about who they were and where they wanted to go in the next couple of years. At the end of the session, they all expressed their gratitude for having me – an objective, practiced facilitator – to guide their conversation. I loved what she said - it meant I had done (part of) my job and that it was appreciated.
Not every discussion needs a facilitator. However, exploratory and other conversations can benefit, especially if the leader (chair, owner, department head) wants to be part of working through the ideas, without it appearing they are leading into their own agendas.
Having a facilitator can add a tremendous amount of value to the session. They can see things that others may not. They have tools and strategies that many do not have, especially questions (eg, What assumptions do you have? What if you …?” ). The convener of the group is freed up to participate and/or listen in a way they could not if they also had to think about logistics and balancing their own role with that of discussion leader.
A facilitator will help clarify what outcomes are being sought, and how the discussion will flow. A facilitator will design the agenda and the timing of discussions and topics. And depending of the context of the conversation, a facilitator can interject consulting here and there to clarify, suggest, and enhance knowledge and understanding.
Sometimes the facilitator brings that “drop of oil” you need.
