How can a team facilitator keep team members on track?

1 Define the purpose

One of the first steps to keep your team members on track is to define the purpose of your team and the expected outcomes of your project or task. This will help you align your team members with a shared vision, clarify their roles and responsibilities, and set realistic and measurable goals. You can use tools such as a team charter, a project plan, or a SMART framework to document your team's purpose and goals, and review them regularly with your team members to ensure that they are on the same page and understand what they need to do and why.

2 Establish the norms

Another important step to keep your team members on track is to establish the norms or rules of engagement for your team. These are the standards of behavior and expectations that your team members agree to follow when working together, such as how they will communicate, make decisions, provide feedback, handle conflicts, or manage their time. You can involve your team members in creating and agreeing on these norms, and make them visible and accessible to everyone. You can also monitor and reinforce these norms throughout your team's work, and address any deviations or violations promptly and respectfully.

3 Facilitate the process

As a team facilitator, you also have the role of facilitating the process of your team's work, which means that you help your team members navigate through the different stages and tasks of their project or task, while providing them with the necessary support, guidance, and feedback. You can use various techniques and tools to facilitate the process, such as asking open-ended questions, summarizing key points, paraphrasing ideas, acknowledging contributions, encouraging participation, brainstorming solutions, resolving conflicts, or celebrating achievements. You can also adapt your facilitation style and methods according to the needs and preferences of your team members, and the nature and complexity of your project or task.

4 Monitor the progress

Another key step to keep your team members on track is to monitor the progress of your team's work, which means that you track and measure the performance and results of your team against the goals and expectations that you have set. You can use tools such as a dashboard, a timeline, a checklist, or a feedback form to monitor the progress, and share the data and feedback with your team members regularly and transparently. You can also use the monitoring data and feedback to identify any gaps, issues, or risks that may affect your team's work, and take corrective actions or make adjustments as needed.

5 Motivate the team

One of the final steps to keep your team members on track is to motivate your team, which means that you inspire and encourage your team members to stay engaged, committed, and enthusiastic about their work. You can use various strategies and techniques to motivate your team, such as recognizing and rewarding their efforts and achievements, providing them with autonomy and ownership, creating a positive and supportive team culture, building trust and rapport, or offering them opportunities for learning and growth. You can also solicit and incorporate their feedback and suggestions on how to improve your team's work and facilitation, and show them that you value and appreciate their input and contribution.