A Philosophical Start – Thanks to Karen Krawczyk
Facilitator
The facilitator has no agenda except the emergent agenda seeking to be born,
In and among and through the people gathered before her,
Her emptiness is not nothing though
It is an invitation, a reflection,
Wherever she moves radiating welcome,
Things take shape, evolve, transform, move on
She is delighted, fascinated and as impartial as the sun,
She offers comradeship on a journey into an open space
Where creativity finds its home and voice.
The greater the skill the less she does
But the more profound the life she meets because life loves above all things to find itself,
and it always comes to where it can meet, embrace and discover greater life which it finds in the universal centre where she stands
Under the best of circumstances, the facilitator will be totally present and absolutely invisible, like God, Like Tao, like the centre of the Universe, everywhere, especially here.
Harrison Owen
Diana Whitney’s 5 I’s
Diana Whitney is a well-known author and highly experienced Appreciative Inquiry practitioner.
Her 5 I’s make an easy way to think about your role as a facilitator.
Inquiry – lets people know you value them and their contribution
Facilitator Role: ask positive powerful questions
Illumination – helps people understand how they can best contribute
Facilitator Role: bring out the best of people and situations
Inclusion – gives people a sense of belonging and deeper purpose
Facilitator Role: engage with people to support them in creating the future
Inspiration – provides people with a sense of direction
Facilitator Role: awaken the creative spirit
Integrity – lets people know they are expected to give their best for the greater good
and in turn trust others to do the same
Facilitator Role: make choices for the good of the group