ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a systematic framework for assisting a team to assess whether an external facilitator is likely to be helpful. An external facilitator is someone that is external to the organizational unit, although they may be employed elsewhere in the organization. Mostly, external facilitators are specialists working for themselves or small consultancies. The chapter presents a methodical framework for assessing the need for an external team facilitator. It helps to reduce the risk of disappointing consultant interventions. The chapter also helps to get maximum benefit from investment in consultant help. An external facilitator can help with a number of problems confronted by a team that is just beginning to consider its own development. Experienced team-building facilitators provide skills in working sensitively with groups of people in a helping and supportive way and also offer their experience in working with the problems of many teams.
