Team Facilitation, Team building, and Problem Solving

We have supported several organizations in Team Facilitation, Problem Solving Efforts, and Implementation of new ideas using different types of facilitation styles (four types below):

(1) Open Space Technology Type Facilitation — This is a method of facilitation where the group who comes together sets the agenda, decides on the issues and solves the problems. Lessons Learned from open space technology follows:

Stay close to the essence; it keeps spirit and momentum alive. A free flow of ideas designed by the group is what we look for. What is our purpose?

Pay attention to basic principles; they define the character of the organization.

Principle 1: Whoever comes are the right people.

Principle 2: Whatever happens is the only thing that could have.

Principle 3: When it starts is the right time.

Principle 4: When it’s over, it’s over.

Law of Two Feet: Take the responsibility for what you care about. If you are not contributing where you are, go somewhere else.

Important to remember:

Less is more.

Hold the Space, if you care hold on to the space you have to make your point.

Focus on the relationships between people.

(2) Training and Teaching Facilitation — Nothing is more useless than to get a group of people together to solve a problem when they are not prepared. We can teach the concepts of problem solving and decision making as we facilitate. We often learn a concept before the sessions so as to help others understand the technical issues.

(3) Negotiation and Facilitation — When it has to be done and the possibility of conflict is high we can help make it happen.

(4) Support Related to Project Implementation — We will support your project manager and/or group when implementing a new idea or plan.