ABSTRACT
In facilitation, like other professional areas, it is extremely important to maintain an excellent base of knowledge. Facilitators need to know how to handle many different types of facilitation situations ranging from problem
solving, process improvement, reengineering processes, Kaizen events, large groups identifying opportunities for improvement, and cost reduction adventures to many other facilitated events. Facilitators should understand Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, Lean Six Sigma, strategic planning, vision establishment, action planning, measurement theory, statistical methods, seven quality control (QC) tools, seven management and planning tools, and organizational theory. In the facilitation area of expertise know what are Tuckman’s five stages of team development, the various adult learning models, mutual learning model, skilled facilitator approach, critical success factors and measures for progress and results, the numerous facilitator tools and techniques, managing conflict, meeting effectiveness tools, critiquing, coaching, and numerous other topics. Additional training and research will add to your experience. Reflection of both your experience and training and asking: “How can I improve? Could I have used a different tool or technique at a session I did in the past? Have I managed conflict effectively? Do I intervene too quickly when conflict surfaces?” These types of questions are helpful in increasing your learning and body of facilitation knowledge. Applying new as well as proven techniques and knowledge and future facilitation efforts will help you maintain and improve your facilitation skills.
