Facilitation Skills Foundation Training in Cork

Facilitation Skills Foundation Training Course Outline

Chapter 1: Process Iceberg® Model

• Process Iceberg® Explained
  • Hierarchical
  • Sequential
  • Inter-Dependent
• Problems in Meetings
• Using the Process Iceberg® to help Groups become More Process Aware

Chapter 2: Task and Process and Two Key Tools

• Context
• Task and Process
  • Task
  • Process
  • Linking Task and Process
  • Red and Green Thinking and Facilitation
• Format and Tools
  • What is Format?
  • Models, Tools and Techniques
• SPO
• Degrees of Uncertainty
  • Certainly
  • Complexity
  • Uncertainty
• Levels of Process Awareness
  • The Dysfunctional Group
  • Transitional Groups
  • Process Aware Groups
• Feedback Model
  • Reverse Feedback
• Exercises
  • Levels of Process Awareness
  • Feedback Model
  • SPO
  • Degrees of Uncertainty

Chapter 3: The Key Roles

• Task Leader’s Role
  • Determining the Task Leader’s Role
• Facilitator’s Role
  • Subject Matter Expert or Not?
  • The Nature of the Facilitator’s Role
  • The Characteristics of the Changing Role
• Facilitation Triangle

Chapter 4: Knowing Myself …Understanding Others

• Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI)
  • Extraverts
  • Introverts
  • Sensing
  • Intuitives
  • Thinkers
  • Feelers
  • Judgers (Structured)
  • Perceivers (Unstructured)
• Understanding the Different Types
  • Different Types... Different Techniques

Chapter 5: Preparing for an Event/Workshop

• Meeting the ‘client’
  • First Meeting
• Hearing the ‘real’ need
• Planning the Agenda Process
  • Working Through the Objective
  • Designing the Process
  • Length for Each Task
  • Preparation Required
• Selecting and Organising the Venue
• How Many Facilitators Does It Take to Run a Process?
  • Certainty, Complexity, Uncertainty
  • Dysfunctional, Transitional, Process Aware
  • Number of Tables/Sub Groups
  • Time Available
  • Number of Facilitators Needed

Chapter 6: Contracting with a Group

• Agreeing the Contract
  • Contracting with the Client
  • The Nature of the Task (Certainty/Complexity/Uncertainty)
  • The Relationship Between Time, Process and Task (The Facilitation Triangle)
  • Analysis of the Maturity of the Group (Dysfunctional – Process Aware)
• The Role of the Facilitator in Terms of the Process
  • Process Responsibilities
  • Communications and Interpersonal Interactions
  • Who Does the Feedback?
  • Individual Preferences and Roles
  • Emotions
• Why Does the Facilitator Need a Contract?
  • Confirming the Contract

Chapter 7: Facilitating an Event

• The Impact of the Facilitator – Hamburg Research
  • Process Responses
  • Managing Introverts and Extraverts
• Importance of Sharing Knowledge in a Systematic Way
  • Groupthink
  • Examples of Groupthink: Past and Present
  • Remedies for Groupthink
• Good Process Ensures Good Decision-Making
  • Principles of Process Application
  • The Place of Feedback – Improving Levels of Understanding
  • Exchange of Information
  • Effect of Process Application
  • Symptoms of Taking the Wrong Approach
• Convergent and Divergent Thinking
  • Convergent Thinking
  • Divergent Thinking
  • Freeing Up People’s Thinking
• Tackling the Task Systematically – Using a Systematic Process Approach
  • Step One – Identify Issues
  • Step Two – Focus on the Main Issue(s)/Cause
  • Step Three – Define the Problem
  • Step Four – Selecting the Best Solution Should Be Done Against a Set of Criteria
  • Step Five – Generate Ideas for Potential Solutions
  • Step Six – Pinpoint the Most Appropriate Solution
  • Step Seven – Adverse Consequences
  • Step Eight – Action Planning
• Watching for the Causes Not Symptoms – Symptom, Cause and Action
  • Making Interventions
  • Dealing with Problems in Meetings
• There Are No Difficult People, Only a Poor Process
  • Unbalanced Roles or Preferences
  • Poor Communication or Interpersonal Interactions
• Poor or inappropriate Process (Format or Tools)
• Ill-defined Objective
• Using SCA and SPO – Inner Dialogue
  • Thinking ‘up and down’ the Iceberg and looking ‘forward’
• Capturing information – drawing skills

Chapter 8: Process Iceberg® Review

• Conducting a Process Review
  • Ask the group “What Helped?”
  • What else Helped?
  • What Hindered?
• Assessing Group Maturity by the Process Review

Chapter 9: Characteristics of an Effective Facilitator

• Characteristics of an Effective Facilitator
  • Reaction to Change
  • Speed of Reaction
  • Approach to Process
  • Reaction to Stress
  • Breadth of Knowledge
• Personal Strengths and the Areas where you will Feel Most and Least Comfortable

Who Should Attend this Facilitation Skills Foundation and Practitioner Training?

This course is designed for professionals who are or aspire to be facilitators, project managers, team leaders, or any role that involves orchestrating group processes to achieve business objectives. It is particularly beneficial for:

• Project Managers
• Team Leaders
• HR Professionals
• Organisational Development Practitioners
• Consultants
• Educators and Trainers
• Event Coordinators

Prerequisites of Facilitation Skills Foundation and Practitioner Training

There are no strict prerequisites for this course, making it accessible to anyone interested in developing foundational facilitation skills. A general understanding of workplace dynamics and team management will be advantageous.

Facilitation Skills Foundation Training Course Overview

Facilitation Skills Foundation Training offers a comprehensive journey through essential facilitation techniques and roles, focusing on practical skills to enhance group dynamics and decision-making processes.

This 3-day course will delve into the Process Iceberg® Model, the dynamics of task and process management, and the essential roles within a facilitation setting, providing you with tools to conduct effective meetings and workshops. By the end of this training, participants will be equipped with the skills necessary to guide groups towards more effective outcomes, manage diverse group dynamics, and foster an environment conducive to collaborative problem-solving.

Course Objectives

• Understand and apply the Process Iceberg® Model
• Distinguish between task and process in meetings
• Utilise red and green thinking for effective facilitation
• Master the facilitator's role and dynamics in group settings
• Design and prepare for facilitative events and workshops
• Contract effectively with groups to align on process and expectations

Upon completion of this course, delegates will be able to confidently handle the complexities of facilitation, including managing different personality types using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®. You will be adept at designing processes that enhance group interaction and lead to strategic decision-making. Additionally, you'll be equipped to tackle challenges in facilitation with a systematic approach, ensuring clarity and alignment in group objectives.

What's included in this Facilitation Skills Foundation Training?  

• World-Class Training Sessions from Experienced Instructors 
• The Facilitation Skills Foundation Training 
• Digital Delegate Pack   

Facilitation Skills Foundation Exam Information

The exam is specifically designed to validate your understanding of the essential principles and practical skills in facilitation, ensuring you are well-prepared to apply these techniques in real-life settings. Achieving certification highlights your capability to support and lead teams, fostering efficient and productive group interactions.

• Question Type: Multiple Choice Format
• Total Questions: 50 Questions
• Total Marks: 50 marks
• Pass Marks: 50% or 25/50 marks
• Duration: 40 minutes
• Open Book/ Closed Book: Closed book