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What is a facilitator?[1]
There
are two broad types of facilitators (Schwarz, 1994). A facilitator
is often viewed as a neutral third party
, content neutral individual who
helps to increase the effectiveness of a group or organization
by helping with group process. This person advocates for fair,
open and inclusive procedures and does not advocate a particular
point of view. The key is that the facilitator is acceptable
to all members of the group and has no decision-making authority.
Remember: the facilitator is the process expert and can help
improve the way the group identifies problems, solves problems,
and makes decisions. Typically this type of facilitator works
with a group on a short-term basis to solve a problem or help
develop long-range or strategic plans
. 
The second type
of facilitator is the facilitative leader .
This person is a member of the group or organization and is
vested in the group and its mission. He or she is a process
and content expert. This person has many of the same skills
as the outside facilitator, but uses them on a routine basis
to help the group move forward. The facilitative leader, like
the outside facilitator, uses fair, open and inclusive procedures
to enable all members to participate but can also voice his
or her own views.
[1]
Adapted with permission from Soil and Water Conservation
District Outreach: A Handbook for Program Development, Implementation
and Evaluation . Ohio Department of Natural Resources,
Division of Soil and Water Conservation, 2003. |
Tools
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1. Facilitation
Skills: The Art of Group Facilitation
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Teaching and Presentation Skills
3. Tips for Programs
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Best
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