September 2019 - The FoCuSeD™ Facilitator eNewsletter
The 4 Essential Facilitation Skills | Gary Rush Facilitation
Why is it important to learn the 4 Essential Facilitation Skills even if you are not looking to be a Facilitator? Because, regardless of the increase in technology, we all attend meetings and we all work with others to make decisions, solve problems, build out plans, etc.
The 4 Essential Facilitation Skills
They are (1) active listening, (2) awareness of others and their behavior, (3) “how to” provide a structured thought process, and (4) “how to” move others to consensus. Developing these will make you more effective when leading or participating in meetings as well as making decisions, solving problems, building plans, etc. These skills are also the core servant leader skills – the way of the future.
Active Listening
The most important skill whether in business or in life. It’s a skill for effective communication, understanding, and comprehension – building trust and confidence. When one actively listens, the other person experiences being heard; it helps to understand the underlying message; it communicates an attitude of openness. When you learn how to actively listen, you hear what the other person is saying without expressing subjective judgements.
Awareness of Others and their Behavior
This helps to understand and include others who are diverse; from different backgrounds, with different views and values, etc. When we include others and listen to what they have to say, we find ways to work together overcoming cultural barriers.
“How to” Provide a Structured Thought Process
Enabling others to accomplish a task to achieve useful solutions, requires a structured thought process for them to follow – “how are we to do this?” Structure is a way of organizing your thoughts, ensuring that the needed process to follow is there to produce well thought-out outcomes.
“How to” Move Others to Consensus
Consensus requires a process that supports trust, everyone speaking up, hearing what is said, engaging in healthy conflict, not being afraid to disagree, and accepting that the whole is more important than the parts. This process works in any situation and it helps ensure that everyone is engaged, and all ideas are heard so that they are able to reach consensus.
Summary
Mastering the 4 essential facilitation skills will enhance not only your ability to work with others but also your ability to achieve your goals whether in business or in life. 
