Facilitators coordinate and manage meetings to ensure they are effective and efficient. They can mediate disputes and keep communication open. Companies may keep facilitators on staff or hire third-party facilitation services. Qualifications vary, but many have industry experience or counseling/facilitation degrees.
A facilitator is a person who coordinates and manages a meeting or event to make it as effective and efficient as possible. In the business world, facilitators may run retreats and conferences as well as regular meetings. They can be particularly useful if there is a concern that not all members of a group will be heard or in contexts where contention or arguments could arise. For example, facilitators can mediate a dispute between colleagues to help them reach a resolution that satisfies both parties.
Some companies keep one or more facilitators on staff to manage the organization of various activities for the company. The facilitator is neutral and works solely to establish communication and keep communication open and effective throughout a meeting. In some cases, an outsider may be more effective, as this person will have no knowledge of the company’s history and will lack a vested interest in any particular outcomes.
The facilitator can arrange the space, plan meeting times, and copy materials for distribution and discussion during the meeting. Facilitators may meet privately with all parties prior to the meeting to discuss their goals for the meeting and may consider this information when providing advice and assistance during the process. The goal is to make sure everyone leaves the meeting satisfied, whether they achieved all of their goals or had a chance to be heard fairly. This person can act as chair or can sit and speak if needed, but can otherwise allow people to organize their own meeting.
Parties to a meeting may request the services of a facilitator if they feel it would be helpful, and in some cases, a business may order their use. In cases where a third party is needed, the company can choose from a variety of private companies that specialize in facilitation services. Some companies may offer services for particular types of meetings and issues, ranging from software development to dispute resolution.
The qualifications to become a facilitator can vary according to the sector and the type of work. Many have industry experience, and some may be graduates of counseling or facilitation programs. Others may have degrees in business and related fields, along with experience they can apply to meetings. Facilitation firms may train their staff at seminars and retreats, and some of these organizations may accept external trainees who are willing to pay for a course.
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