Book description
The revised edition of this facilitation classic offers a wealth of targeted techniques for facilitators who seek effective, consistent, and repeatable results. Based on Michael Wilkinson's proven SMART (Structured Meeting And Relating Techniques) approach, The Secrets of Facilitation can help to achieve stellar results when managing, presenting, teaching, planning, and selling, as well as other professional and personal situations.
This expanded edition includes new chapters on facilitating virtual meetings, cross-cultural teams, and large groups and conferences. It also provides a series of strategies for engaging teams, additional information about making meetings more productive, and further guidance on preventing dysfunctional behavior. In addition, the book contains a wealth of fresh case studies and an ancillary website with must-have tools and techniques for both the beginner and the seasoned facilitator.
Praise for the First Edition of The Secrets of Facilitation
"One of the single most powerful processes is the ability to successfully lead a group to an impactful, actionable outcome. In The Secrets of Facilitation, beginning and experienced facilitators alike will find tools to take their results to the next level."
—Jim Canfield, chief learning officer, TEC International
"This book shares 'The Secrets' that have been the basis of my facilitation practice for over a decade."
—Kerri McBride, past chair, International Association of Facilitators
"In my career, I've seen many, many facilitators. Michael Wilkinson is the best. 'The Secrets' explain why."
—Len Roberts, CEO, RadioShack
"We have trained over 100 leaders and business analysts in 'The Secrets.' Great facilitation works."
—Peter Scott, executive general manager, MLC-National Australia Bank
"At last there is a practical, hands-on guide for anyone who works with groups or teams. This book delivers!"
—Ann Herrmann-Nehdi, CEO, Herrmann International, Herrmann Brain Dominance Indicator
Table of contents
- Cover
- Contents
- Title
- Copyright
- Dedication
- Introduction to the Second Edition
- Introduction: A Powerful Secret
-
Chapter I: What is the Role of A Facilitator?
- When Is Facilitation Appropriate?
- Definition: What Is a Facilitated Session?
- What Are the Responsibilities of a Facilitator?
- The Soul of a Facilitator
- When Is Facilitation Not Appropriate?
- Facilitation: Where Is the Industry Today?
- What’s Next for Facilitation?
- Applying the Secrets to Gain Buy-In to a Strategic Plan
- Facilitator’s Checklist for Understanding Facilitation and the Roles of a Facilitator
- Exercise Your Skills
- Note
- Chapter II: The Secrets to Questioning
- Chapter III: The Secrets to Preparing
-
Chapter IV: The Secrets to Starting
- Opening the Session
- Gaining Buy-In to the Agenda
- Using Ground Rules
- Using Parking Boards
- Effective Introductions
- Opening Nonfacilitated Meetings
- When Should You Arrive for the Meeting?
- Getting Started on Time
- Applying the Secrets to Starting
- Facilitator’s Checklist for Getting the Session Started
- Exercise Your Skills
- Chapter V: The Secrets to Focusing
-
Chapter VI: The Secrets to Recording
- How Facilitators Abuse the Pen
- Using, Not Abusing the Pen
- Knowing What to Record
- Managing the Recording Process
- Using Strategies to Avoid Lulls While Writing
- Additional Techniques for Recording
- The Seven Deadly Sins of Facilitation
- Applying the Secrets to Recording
- Facilitator’s Checklist for Recording
- Exercise Your Skills
-
Chapter VII: The Secrets to Information Gathering
- Understanding the Major Information Gathering and Processing Functions
- Understanding Processing Groups
- Understanding Processing Order
- Gathering and Processing Information
- Gathering Facts
- Categorizing
- Inquiring
- Generating Ideas
- Prioritizing
- Reporting
- Getting Feedback
- Additional Information Gathering and Processing Strategies
- Applying the Secrets to Information Gathering
- Facilitator’s Checklist for Information Gathering
- Exercise Your Skills
-
Chapter VIII: The Secrets to Closing
- Reviewing Activities Completed and Personal Objectives
- Confirming Commitment to Decisions Made
- Clearing the Issues List
- Assigning Actions
- Defining What Can Be Communicated About the Session
- Evaluating the Session
- Ending the Session
- Debriefing
- What If the Session Is Running Behind?
- What If the Session Is Going to Run Over?
- Delivering a Partial Close
- Facilitator’s Checklist for Closing
- Exercise Your Skills
-
Chapter IX: The Secrets to Managing Dysfunction
- Dysfunctional Behavior—What Is It?
- Techniques for Conscious Prevention
- Techniques for Early Detection
- Techniques for Clean Resolution
- Recommended Responses to Various Dysfunctions
- When the Unexpected Happens
- Responding to Mistakes and Attacks
- Rewarding Functional Behavior
- Lesson Learned
- Applying the Secrets to Managing Dysfunction
- Facilitator’s Checklist for Managing Dysfunction
- Exercise Your Skills
- Chapter X: The Secrets to Consensus Building
- Chapter XI: The Secrets to Energy
-
Chapter XII: The Secrets to Agenda Setting
- Understanding Process
- Using Standard Agendas
- Customizing the Agenda
- Developing an Agenda from Scratch
- Knowing Your Process Cold: The Facilitation Guide
- Estimating and Tracking Time
- Applying the Secrets to the First Meeting of a Task Force
- Facilitator’s Checklist for Agenda Setting
- Exercise Your Skills
- Chapter XIII: The Secrets to Facilitating Virtual Meetings
- Chapter XIV: The Secrets to Facilitating Large Groups and Conferences
- Chapter XV: The Secrets to Facilitating Cross-Cultural Groups
- Chapter XVI: The Secrets to Building An Internal Facilitator Capability
- Chapter XVII: Special Topics
- Epilogue
- Resource Guide For Facilitators
- 70 Secrets of Facilitation
- Acknowledgments
- The Author
- Index
Product information
- Title: The Secrets of Facilitation: The SMART Guide to Getting Results with Groups, New and Revised
- Author(s):
- Release date: October 2012
- Publisher(s): Jossey-Bass
- ISBN: 9781118206133
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