ABSTRACT
In reality, there is a substantial amount of power and control built into the role of facilitator. Whether team member are in person or virtual, well-facilitated meetings are an efficient and effective way to increase member accountability and participation in the team’s development and overall progress. Facilitated discussions and activities should be planned and implemented in as many team meetings and interactions as possible to pave the way for the team to progress through its life cycle. Team member are especially important in virtual meetings where it is difficult from a distance to keep members engaged and control disruptive and disrespectful behaviors. Ground rules are the facilitator’s primary tool for enforcing task and relationship processes without being too controlling or authoritative. Facilitators need to manage their own conflict responses by taking physical and mental breaks, demonstrating the processes they recommend, acquiring coaching assistance, and obtaining feedback for continuous improvement.
