As a facilitator, you play a crucial role in leading group discussions and decision-making processes. To be successful, you must master eight distinct roles that require a diverse set of skills and qualities. In this blog post, we will dive into the 8 roles of a facilitator and share tips and techniques for mastering each one.
Scroll down to continue reading
Contact Me About Training
Get More Tips Like These!
8 Roles of a Facilitator
Role #1: Facilitator as Guide
As a guide, it’s your responsibility to know the steps of the process that the group will execute from beginning to end. You must carefully guide the participants through each of the steps. To excel in this role, be sure to:
- Understand the purpose and objectives of the session
- Clearly communicate the steps of the process to the group
- Monitor progress and adjust the pace as needed
- Keep the group focused and on track
The Facilitator’s Role in Guiding the Group
The first role of a facilitator is to guide the group through each step of the process. A facilitator needs to have a clear understanding of the goals and objectives of the session, the desired outcomes, and how to achieve them. By being well-prepared and organized, the facilitator can ensure that the group stays on task and focused.
For example, a facilitator leading a team-building session might start by establishing ground rules and expectations, then move into icebreakers to help everyone get comfortable. Next, they might guide the group through exercises designed to build trust and collaboration, and finally end with a debrief to discuss what was learned and how it can be applied in the workplace.
Role #2: Facilitator as Motivator
As a motivator, you must ignite a fire within the group, establish momentum, and keep the pace. Here are some tips for excelling in this role:
- Start with a rousing opening statement that sets the tone for the session
- Use energizers and icebreakers to keep the energy level high
- Encourage participation and engagement from all members
- Keep the momentum going with timely breaks and refreshments
The Facilitator’s Role in Motivating the Group
The second role of a facilitator is to motivate the group. A skilled facilitator knows how to create an engaging and energizing environment that encourages participation and fosters collaboration. This might involve starting with an attention-grabbing activity or using humor to break the ice. Throughout the session, the facilitator can use a variety of techniques to keep the group engaged, such as asking thought-provoking questions, using visual aids, or incorporating movement into the activities.
For example, a facilitator leading a brainstorming session might begin by setting the stage with a compelling problem statement and then using a variety of ideation techniques to spark creativity and encourage participation. By keeping the energy level high and the momentum going, the facilitator can help the group generate a wide range of ideas and solutions.
Role #3: Facilitator as Bridge Builder
As a bridge builder, you must create and maintain a safe and open environment for sharing ideas. To excel in this role, consider the following:
- Build rapport and trust with participants
- Encourage active listening and respect for diverse opinions
- Use similarities to establish common ground and build consensus
- Address conflicts and disagreements constructively
The Facilitator’s Role in Building Bridges
The third role of a facilitator is to build bridges between people and ideas. In any group, there are likely to be diverse opinions and perspectives, and it’s the facilitator’s job to find common ground and create a sense of shared purpose. This might involve finding ways to connect seemingly disparate ideas or encouraging participants to look beyond their own viewpoints.
For example, a facilitator leading a strategic planning session might begin by asking participants to share their individual goals and objectives for the organization, then work to identify common themes and areas of overlap. By focusing on shared values and priorities, the facilitator can help the group develop a shared vision and strategy.
Role #4: Facilitator as Clairvoyant
As a clairvoyant, you must watch carefully for signs of potential strain, weariness, aggravation, and disempowerment, and respond in advance to avoid dysfunctional behavior. Here are some tips for excelling in this role:
- Read body language and facial expressions to gauge participants’ engagement and energy level
- Monitor discussion for signs of disengagement or conflict
- Anticipate potential challenges and plan accordingly
- Use humor and levity to diffuse tension and keep the mood positive
The Facilitator’s Role in Anticipating and Managing Conflict
The fourth role of a facilitator is to anticipate and manage conflict. In any group, there are likely to be moments of tension or disagreement, and it’s the facilitator’s job to ensure that these do not derail the session. This might involve using techniques such as active listening, reframing, or redirecting the conversation.
For example, a facilitator leading a meeting to resolve a dispute between two team members might begin by setting ground rules for respectful communication, then work to identify the underlying issues and help each person see the other’s perspective. By reframing the conversation in a way that emphasizes shared goals and interests, the facilitator can help the group find a constructive resolution.
Role #5: Facilitator as Praiser
As a praiser, you should praise participants for their effort, progress, and results. Here are some tips for excelling in this role:
- Recognize and acknowledge contributions from all members
- Use specific examples to illustrate the impact of participants’ contributions
- Reinforce positive behavior with positive feedback
- Use praise to build confidence and motivation
The Facilitator’s Role in Being a Praiser
In the praiser role, you should praise participants for the effort they put forth, the progress they make, and the results they achieve. Praise well, praise often, praise specifically.
For example, if a participant shares a particularly insightful comment, you might praise them for their critical thinking skills.
Role #6: Facilitator as Peacemaker
As a peacemaker, you must quickly step in, reestablish order, and direct the group toward a constructive resolution in case of a confrontation. Here are some tips for excelling in this role:
- Stay calm and composed in the face of conflict
- Identify the root cause of the conflict and address it directly
- Encourage open and respectful communication
- Use active listening to diffuse tension and find common ground
Although it is almost always better to avoid a direct confrontation between participants, should such an event occur, you must quickly step in, reestablish order, and direct the group toward a constructive resolution.
For example, if two participants have a disagreement, you might help them find common ground by asking each of them to share their perspective.
Role #7: Facilitator as Taskmaster
As a taskmaster, you are responsible for keeping the session on track. Here are some tips for excelling in this role:
- Set clear expectations and goals for the session
- Monitor time and pacing to ensure completion of objectives
- Redirect discussion if it goes off-topic or becomes irrelevant
- Maintain a consistent level of detail throughout the session
The Facilitator’s Role in Keeping the Session on Track
The seventh role of a facilitator is to keep the session on track. This involves being vigilant for any signs of distraction or disengagement and taking action to refocus the group. This might involve redirecting the conversation, summarizing key points, or clarifying the goals and objectives.
For example, a facilitator leading a training session on a new software application might begin by reviewing the learning objectives and then use a variety of techniques to keep the group engaged and focused, such as interactive quizzes or hands-on exercises. Throughout the session, the facilitator can monitor the group’s progress and adjust the pace and content as needed to ensure that everyone is on track.
Role #8: Facilitator as Active Listener
As a facilitator, you must use active listening to manage group discussions and ensure that everyone has an opportunity to be heard. You should ask open-ended questions that encourage participants to share their thoughts and feelings, and then listen carefully to their responses:
- Listen carefully to the discussion
- Analyze and compare comments made by participants
- Formulate questions that challenge the group and manage the discussion effectively
- Use active listening skills such as clarifying, summarizing, and paraphrasing to ensure understanding
- Remain neutral and avoid jumping to conclusions or making assumptions
- Pay attention to nonverbal cues such as body language and tone of voice
By fulfilling these roles effectively, facilitators can create a dynamic, engaging, and productive environment for groups to work in. Whether you’re facilitating a team-building session or a strategic planning retreat, mastering these roles is essential to your success as a facilitator.
Related: Video: 5 Reasons to take The Effective Facilitator
Download this image to print, share, and have a quick reference guide for mastering each role when you facilitate your sessions.
After fulfilling so many responsibilities, is there any wonder why facilitators are typically exhausted after a session?
About the Author
Michael Wilkinson is the CEO and Managing Director of Leadership Strategies, the largest provider of professional facilitators and facilitation training in the country. Michael is a much sought after trainer, facilitator and speaker. He is a Certified Master Facilitator and a Certified Professional Facilitator. As a past president of the Southeast Association of Facilitators, the creator of the FindaFacilitator.com database and a board member of the International Institute of Facilitation, Michael is a national leader in the facilitation industry. You can get more tips from Michael’s books, including The Executive Guide to Facilitating Strategy, The Secrets of Facilitation, The Secrets to Masterful Meetings, and CLICK: The Virtual Meetings Book.
