Here's how you can determine if a career in Facilitation is right for you.

1 Assess Skills

Facilitation is not just about leading meetings; it's an art that requires a specific set of skills. You need to be an adept listener, able to hear not just the words but the underlying concerns or ideas. Strong communication skills are paramount, as you'll often be translating between different stakeholders with varying perspectives. Problem-solving is another critical skill, as facilitators are frequently called upon to help groups overcome obstacles and reach consensus. Reflect on your ability to remain neutral, guide discussions without imposing your views, and foster an environment where all voices are heard.

2 Learn Roles

Understanding the multifaceted role of a facilitator is essential. You won't just be setting agendas and keeping time; you'll be responsible for creating a safe and productive environment where every participant feels valued. This means managing conflicts, stimulating participation, and ensuring that the group's objectives are met. You must be comfortable with a certain level of ambiguity and be able to adapt your approach to suit different group dynamics. Consider whether you find satisfaction in helping others work together more effectively and if you have the patience and tact to handle challenging group situations.

3 Gauge Passion

Passion for the process of group dynamics and collaboration is a key indicator that facilitation might be the right career for you. Ask yourself if you get a sense of fulfillment from helping groups achieve their objectives. Do you enjoy the challenge of working with diverse teams and finding ways to align their efforts? A successful facilitator is someone who is genuinely interested in the success of others and finds joy in the journey of guiding groups to discover solutions collectively.

4 Evaluate Impact

Consider the impact you want to have in your career. Facilitators play a crucial role in helping organizations make decisions, build strategies, and navigate change. If you're driven by the desire to make a tangible difference in how groups function and the outcomes they achieve, facilitation could be a rewarding path. It's about more than just leading meetings; it's about enabling groups to work together in more effective, creative, and inclusive ways.

5 Research Field

Before diving into a career in facilitation, do your homework. Research what the field looks like in terms of opportunities, niches, and the demand for facilitators in various industries. Understand the qualifications or certifications that may be required or beneficial. Networking with professionals in the field can provide valuable insights into what the day-to-day work entails and how to prepare for a career in this space. Knowledge of the field will help you make an informed decision about whether it aligns with your career goals.

6 Practice Skills

Lastly, give facilitation a test run before committing to it as a career. Volunteer to lead sessions in your current job, with community groups, or at local workshops. This hands-on experience will give you a taste of what facilitation involves and how well it suits you. It's also an opportunity to refine your skills and build confidence in your ability to manage group dynamics. The more you practice, the clearer it will become whether facilitation is the right career path for you.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?