Meetings Gone Off Track? Try Guerrilla Facilitation
Not everyone has the title of “facilitator.” But anyone in the room can play a role in steering a meeting back on course—subtly, quietly, and without taking over.
That’s what we call Guerrilla Facilitation.
What Is Guerrilla Facilitation?
Just like guerrilla warfare isn’t about a big, official army but rather small, unexpected interventions that shift momentum—guerrilla facilitation is about those small, tactical moves that help meetings succeed from within.
These are techniques anyone can use to help manage a meeting, even when they’re not the session leader. The key is to ask a question, not make a sta
tement. The question is intended to give the leader the option to take action, without anyone else taking over.
Five Situations Where Guerrilla Facilitation Helps
In today’s world of endless calls, quick syncs, and sprawling agendas, small interventions can make a huge difference. Here are tactical moves that help:
-
Ask the clarifying question when the conversation drifts
-
Summarize what’s been said to bring focus back
-
Suggest, “Should we capture next steps?” when time is running out
The point isn’t to overthrow the meeting—it’s to help it succeed from within.
A Word of Caution
Use these techniques with discretion. Some session leaders may find even a well-intentioned question an affront to their leadership as opposed to the observation and offer of resolution that is intended.
Ready to turn effective meeting management into a superpower? Take the next step and explore the Facilitation Skills for Project Managers course—your essential pathway to mastering the art of facilitation and leading truly impactful sessions
