Characteristics of an effective facilitator:

• Engages in active and reflective listening
• Is empathetic and compassionate
• Has the ability to listen and think at the same time
• Knows that all participants have something to offer regardless of their education, experience, or identity
• Is knowledgeable about the topic
• Keeps personal views out of the facilitation so that all participants feel safe
• Keeps their ego out of the facilitation and does not have to be right
• Makes the participants feel safe
• Earns the participants’ respect
• Is the appropriate identify in relation to the identity(ies) of the group
• Is patient and calm
• Is flexible and adaptable
• Can manage challenging individuals and challenging group dynamics
• Can work in a team with other facilitators

The above list was put together by me for a training.

How would you evaluate your own potential as a facilitator? Which of these characteristics do you have? Which do you not have? Which do you need to build, strengthen and/or enhance? How might you go about building, strengthening and/or enhancing them?

Required Reading Materials:

Bens, I. (2012). Facilitating with ease! core skills for facilitators, team leaders and members, managers, consultants, and trainers. (3rd ed.). San Francisco, CA: The Jossey-Bass.

Schuman, S. (Ed.). (2005). The IAF Handbook of Group Facilitation: Best Practices From the Leading Organization in Facilitation. San Francisco, Jossey-Bass.