Driving Performance by . . .

Facilitation -- Getting People
Behind a Common Goal

Most people want to be included in the decisions that affect their home, their community, their business, or the institutions that have meaning in their lives. When asked, most have ideas that are worth hearing. And when heard, most will be supportive, even if their ideas don't make it into the final version of the project. This is the essence of involvement.

Resistance to projects often comes about because people are excluded early in the process and brought in only after the fact, when it seems like nothing they say will matter. People resist when they feel threatened or when withholding of information angers or frightens them. In the absence of correct information, they will substitute their own impressions of what is going on, leading to unfounded rumors and passionate resistance.

A skilled facilitator can:

• Bring clarity to issues
• Frame key questions without emotion
• Ensure that all team members participate in the discussion
• Keep the discussion on track
• Get results in a limited time period
• Neutralize power positions or domineering participants
• Stay neutral
• Manage disagreements constructively.

If you've never experienced effective facilitation, you may think it is simply "running a meeting."

Performance Drivers facilitates Board and staff retreats, group planning and problem solving sessions, dialogue to prepare for mergers and other significant changes. Techniques can range from brainstorming to Appreciative Inquiry, based on the challenges to be addressed and the type of outcome to be obtained.

Performance Drivers also facilitates the public involvement component of many community projects, guided by the principle that people can become partners if they are treated with respect and are included honestly and fairly in the dialogue.

Contact Performance Drivers about their Facilitation services.

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