That’s an interesting one Colleen. Great question about the balance of ones own values and some participant values that might not be in harmony. I don’t know the writing you mentioned and could not get access via the link, but it is probably great and it is demonstrating what you stand for. And if 2 people did not like it I think that sounds terrific - it is ok that not everyone likes everything in a workshop. I would probably not read something very explicit value based as a facilitator. I would rather try to demonstrate it, work it radiate it. And that comes from a sense of not wanting to impose me on people. It’s a nuance because I do also radiate and show my values - but in other ways. But I think it is great that you do it - that’s part of your theater and style.

Great question. I have partnered with some collegues and we offer different sevices. So we recommend each other, or work together to help the customer. And if that is not possible, I will happpily help them to other people if I can. It creates loyalty that we help each other.

The guiding points of what to do lies ofcourse in the purpose of the meeting. However here are an idea that might or might not fit: Make sure to create some facilitators amongst the participants. If possible in good time before the workshop, on a short online session. Or meeting with the “facilitators” half an hour before the workshop. You can send out a cheat-sheet beforehand. Or if that is not possible then give facilitation instructions on the spot. I might say: The person having birthday closest to Xmas is facilitator (you want to avoid the Alpha taking charge). And you responsibilities as facilitators are three things: 1. Keep the time, 2. Keep the focus and 3. Keep everyone engaged. And with point #3. I might say: That means that the talkers amongst you (let’s see some hands - who are talkers here?) you will speak less than normal. Is that Ok? And those of you who are thinking before you are talking (who are you? - lets see some hands) You will speak a little more than normal. Ok? And the facilitator will help with that, by interupting the talkers and inviting the no so much talkers. There is ofcourse more to it - but this might give some ideas. The purpose of this is to make a workshop with a larger group succeed with less babbling and to kick some facilitation behaviors into the world ;-) and thirdly the client might ask you to help them facilitate meetings in the future ;-) All the best - Kenneth Agerholm

Can you say some more about the specific challenges that this team is facing, a little more about the context of the workshop and what kind of participants is involved? Team communication is really important, but it can cover really different issues.

@Svenja Floberg Thiel Yes, absolutely true. Love the "It´s much deeper because we are humans" that really has a ring to it. Often the problem is not the problem, but how we think about the problem. Or that we are locked into a certain perception of what the problem is. I have had good use of the "double diamond" view of problems and reframing tools - mostly as a way to assist clients in unlocking other types of "better" problems. Are you using these approaches, or how do you go about assisting clients that are locked into a singular view.

@Rebecca Courtney Thx Rebecca - great article, good formulated arguments, that I can use. The infografic you use in the booklet from WEF about future skills is 3-4 years old, here is a link to the 2023 version from WEF, if you are interested. There are a few quite interesting things that have changed: https://bit.ly/3NBKiZU - this is the link to the infografic page. The findings, rapport etc. you can find in other places on the page.