How can you encourage constructive dialogue during a large group facilitation evaluation?

1 Set clear expectations

Before you start the evaluation, make sure you communicate the purpose, scope, and methods of the evaluation to the participants and the client or sponsor. Explain what you want to achieve, how you will collect and analyze data, and how you will report and use the results. Invite them to share their questions, concerns, and suggestions, and address them as much as possible. This will help you create a shared understanding and a sense of ownership and involvement in the evaluation process.

2 Choose appropriate methods

Depending on the size, diversity, and complexity of the group, as well as the objectives and resources of the evaluation, you may need to use different methods to gather and share feedback. For example, you can use surveys, interviews, focus groups, observation, or self-assessment tools to collect quantitative and qualitative data from the participants. You can also use interactive methods, such as dialogue circles, world café, appreciative inquiry, or open space, to facilitate group discussions and reflections on the facilitation experience. Choose methods that are suitable for your context, and that allow you to capture diverse perspectives and rich information.

3 Create a safe and respectful space

Creating a psychologically safe space for participants and the facilitator during the evaluation is essential for fostering a quality dialogue. The atmosphere should be respectful and constructive, where people listen to each other, acknowledge differences, and seek common ground. To achieve this, you can establish and enforce ground rules such as confidentiality, honesty, respect, and openness. Additionally, using positive and appreciative language can help create a positive environment. Inviting feedback from all segments of the group, using inclusive and accessible formats, and validating diverse contributions can also encourage participation and inclusion. Lastly, providing support and guidance with clarifying questions, summarizing points, reframing issues, and offering feedback and suggestions can help ensure the success of the evaluation.

4 Involve stakeholders in analysis and action

Encouraging constructive dialogue during the evaluation can be achieved by involving the participants and the client or sponsor in the analysis and action phases. Rather than providing a final report or recommendations, you can share and discuss the preliminary findings with the group and invite them to co-create meaning and solutions from the data collected. Additionally, you can facilitate a participatory analysis workshop using methods such as affinity diagrams, causal loop diagrams, or force field analysis. Finally, you can co-design an action plan with SMART goals, action learning, or prototyping to help define and implement actions to improve the facilitation practice.

5 Seek feedback and improvement

Finally, you can encourage constructive dialogue during the evaluation by seeking feedback and improvement for yourself as a facilitator. You can use the evaluation to learn from your experience, identify your strengths and areas for development, and enhance your skills and knowledge. Additionally, the feedback can help you improve your relationship with the participants and the client or sponsor, address any issues or concerns, and celebrate any achievements or successes. To do that, ask for feedback from the participants and the client or sponsor using methods such as rating scales, open-ended questions, or testimonials; reflect on your own performance using methods such as self-assessment tools, journaling, or peer coaching; and plan and implement actions to improve your facilitation practice like seeking training, mentoring, or supervision or joining a community of practice or a network of facilitators. Be sure to thank them for their input and suggestions.

6 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?