Facilitator skill and preparation checklist

Build empathy and trust through positive rapport and being ‘ready’ in the way that helps you best.
Model and encourage active listening.
Create ‘neutrality’ that enables others to find their voices and participate.
Use questions that open up understanding and engagement rather than closing it down. Facilitators are not the holders of the ‘answers’ – it is ok not to know – and for the group to follow the need for new knowledge.
Intervene minimally and as appropriate – setting the scene, giving instructions, voicing the questions, encouraging participation, keeping boundaries, clarifying issues, recording decisions, recognising energy levels, challenging inappropriate behaviour, surfacing what might not be being said, etc.
Observation – read what is happening in the group in regards to energy, emotions, focus, etc.

Set ground rules or ways of working with any group – for example, participants:

Take personal responsibility for what they say and do
Respect one another (let each other speak without interruption or put down, listen attentively, don’t assume others know what you are speaking about, turn off phones, etc.)
Keep confidentiality – personal/private info stays in the group. If not sure say so
Might have ideas what else is important to create a trustful working space

Potential issues that might need honest articulation, and can stifle creative discussion:

The Diocese of Canterbury