Facilitation Skills for Leading Engaging Meetings

What Happens Each participant is given program “pre-work” that helps participants review meetings that they have attended or will attend to determine meeting elements that work well and those that do not work well. The skill-building program uses activities, discussions and practice sessions to highlight the expertise necessary to run a successful, productive and engaging meeting. Constant feedback is given by the facilitator and peers in the class.

The Key Learnings

• Meeting preparation
  • Why are we meeting? What is the clear purpose?
  • Who should attend? Will there be decision makers present? Stakeholders? Implementers?
  • What needs to be discussed?
  • What is the timeframe?
  • Are materials and equipment needed?
  • Preparing an agenda
• Location and set up
• Opening and framing the meeting
• Leading from the side
  • Managing the time
  • Maintaining focus and relevance
  • Input
  • Safety
  • Effectively listening
  • Powerful questioning and restating
  • Creating ownership
• Handling the toughies
• Wrapping it up
• Follow through

Applying the Spark

At the end of the program, participants consider their own meeting facilitation expertise and put together Applying the Spark, a 90-day implementation plan. This plan considers the current facilitation expertise of the participant and the desired skills and practices utilized at the end of the 90-day period. Specific, time-bound steps are identified to close the gap. This plan is shared with the participant’s leader within 5 days of the training once the participant is back on the job.

Practical Information

• The ideal audience: new managers and leaders up through senior level management
• Timeframe: 4 – 6 hours
• For group sizes that range from 10 to 50 or more participants