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Group Facilitation

Ability to design and facilitate a group process, elicit contributions from group members, stimulate a focused group discussion, and achieve a desired outcome.

Behavior Statements

Proficiency Level 1 - Basic understanding

Explains the basic role of the facilitator.

Describes similarities and differences between role of facilitator and role of meeting chairperson.

Participates in or observes facilitated sessions.

Helps others obtain additional information and literature on a specific facilitation method.

Proficiency Level 2 - Working experience

Plans, coordinates and conducts facilitated sessions.

Participates in the identification and selection of the most qualified candidates for the group.

Clarifies and achieves agreement on the purpose and goals of the session.

Uses at least one formal facilitation method or technique to moderate a session.

Describes common facilitation techniques and typical scenarios where each could be used.

Proficiency Level 3 - Extensive experience

Identifies and designs the specific type of group process required by situation.

Maintains group's focus on established scope and goals.

Redirects a groups' efforts when the group is getting bogged down.

Encourages group members to take ownership of the process and the outcomes.

Builds a cooperative spirit and elicits maximum participation from each group member.

Identifies, clarifies and summarizes creative ideas arising out of a group process.

Proficiency Level 4 - Subject matter depth and breadth

Consults on matching facilitation techniques to a group or situation.

Assists others in planning, conducting and evaluating a group facilitation process.

Overcomes ambiguity, resistance and resignation.

Influences the direction of a session while maintaining an unbiased position.

Facilitates sessions that address complex or highly sensitive issues.

Demonstrates expertise in guiding diverse and conflicting factions towards working cooperatively.

Interview Questions

  • Tell me about a time when your facilitation methods proved unsuccessful and what you learned from this.
  • When facilitating a group, what process do you use to elicit contributions from each member?
  • Describe characteristics of an effective vs. ineffective facilitator.

Titles with Shared Competencies