Your pre-meeting analysis of the issues, the participants and the needed out-comes was instrumental in making the ninety minute session both productive and rewarding for all the participants. The work of this group has established a base for further discussions by the Board of Trustees in August this year. 

Thank you again for applying your considerable expertise  for this important meeting.

Sincerely, Jean Grimmer, Executive Director

 

Facilitation

We can facilitate your discussion groups. Our trained facilitators will work with your organization to establish an outcome oriented discussion. As these vary by company and department, we establish the outcomes desired, then map out the best way(s) to get to that outcome, then work with you to set action plans to achieve it.

We believe in an energetic, participative approach. Our lead facilitator, Marsha Egan, has moderated over 100 panel discussions, including two international video broadcasts viewed by more than 10,000 participants. She's facilitated board orientations and trainings, executive retreats, strategy sessions, and knows how to masterfully address "the elephant in the room."

Unlike training, facilitation many times has unknown outcomes. We can enable your group to build consensus and understanding that allows forward progress through agreed upon action steps.

Click here to view Marsha Egan in action, moderating a panel and an international videoconference. (less than 3 minutes)

Here is an actual Facilitation Example:

A group we worked with recently had an objective of getting 12 senior elected officials to be on board with the strategic plan. We had an off site full day meeting. Prior to the event, we met with the leaders of the organization to develop the right process to deliver the desired results.

The elements of the process were:

  • Advance anonymous survey of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities. We also surveyed them for what was inhibiting their ability to do their jobs.
  • Introduction of a one hour module on how to better embrace change
  • Review of mission, values, goals.
  • Discussion and flipcharting of roles
  • Selection of issues to discuss, using 3 dots that they can affix to charts showing the survey issues
  • Facilitating the discussion of the issues, in priority order, for specified times.
  • Summary of action steps.
  • Final hour of the day was devoted to brainstorming on how to be more efficient in their jobs.

Here is the note we received after the meeting:

Dear Marsha,

Marsha, I had a real ball working with you- you have an uncanny ability to bring out the best in people and get them engaged in problem solving and collegial interaction. It is a gift!

I have gotten some very positive feedback from my colleagues and I look forward to addressing the topics we all brought up. Thanks again for all that you did to make this a successful day.

Sincerely,

(group leader-name withheld-can be provided on individual request)