Group Interaction Facilitator Training Notes
A few months after joining Group Interaction, they asked me to become a group facilitator. So to that end, I attended a special session for facilitator wannabes. My notes from that session follow.
- Want new facilitators.
- Newcomers must be single.
- Folks can discuss topics of interest to learn about the new folks.
- We are guides – people-oriented.
- Lead by example.
- Must not “run” the group.
- Assure that all participants get a chance to talk.
- Tonight, general rules discussion.
- Open group with an ice breaker. Get from the supplied list.
- Try to promote self confidence.
- New facilitators co-facilitate for six sessions.
- Advanced training is a refresher.
- Facilitator meeting at Don Loose’s house on 4-17-94 at 1:00 PM.
- Must attend one basic and one advanced training session.
- Must facilitate with three different folks.
- Avoid argumentative behavior.
- Encourage but don’t force the talk.
- Don’t facilitate while I’m in a bad or flustered mood.
- Difference between giving advice and giving feedback.
- We should give feedback, not advice.
- Speak in first person (I, me).
- Smoothing things over is different than supplying genuine support.
- Leadership should be told about obnoxious folks.
- If a fight is brewing, send someone else to get support. Don’t leave the group un facilitated.
- Group leaders must be relaxed, low-key, and possess a sense of humor.
- Be open and accepting of people’s views, even when you disagree.
- Don’t take sides – don’t force beliefs on the group.
- Maintain a certain detachment from heated group discussions.
- Be sincere and encourage others to “let their hair down.”
- Don’t dump negative feelings on group.
- Don’t stay on a topic if group is uncomfortable with it.
- To maintain status as a core member, you must facilitate for ten hours in a three-month period.
- Leave of absence from core is possible. Just tell the leadership chair.
- Be here at 8:00 PM or 8:10 PM.