Why Hire A Facilitator?

Many people facilitate their own meeting, for a variety of good reasons. But should you? In two words: probably not.

As a meeting or brainstorm sponsor, you should spend your valuable time doing constructive work, such as ...

• Actively participating in discussions, debates, or idea generation
• Listening and encouraging strategies, concepts and ideas
• Clarifying the purpose and direction of the meeting or brainstorm

Conversely, you should not do "un-constructive" work - that is, any basic skill best done by a facilitator -
such as ...

• Focusing the group in positive ways on the problem, issue or need
• Creating an atmosphere of freedom and no-risk
• Inspiring the participants to generate ideas across a full spectrum
• Introducing and conducting brainstorm exercises
• Keeping the group - and individuals - energised
• Minimising negativity and criticism
• Ensuring everyone contributes in their own way, particularly engaging the quiet participants or balancing them against the louder ones
• Writing down ideas on flipcharts
• Watching the clock
• Never sitting down
• Never giving up the pen