How can you maintain momentum after facilitating large groups?

1 Celebrate and appreciate

One of the first things you can do after facilitating a large group is to celebrate and appreciate the achievements and contributions of the group. Send a thank-you note, a feedback survey, or a summary report to the participants, highlighting the key outcomes, learnings, and feedback from the facilitation. Acknowledge the challenges and successes of the group, and express your gratitude for their participation and collaboration. This can help you build rapport, trust, and recognition with the group, and encourage them to stay engaged and motivated.

2 Communicate and share

Another way to maintain momentum after facilitating a large group is to communicate and share the results and outputs of the facilitation with relevant stakeholders. This can include the sponsors, clients, managers, or other groups that are affected by or interested in the facilitation. You can use different formats and channels to communicate and share, such as reports, presentations, newsletters, blogs, podcasts, or social media. The goal is to showcase the value and impact of the facilitation, and to generate awareness, interest, and support for the next steps.

3 Follow up and support

A third way to maintain momentum after facilitating a large group is to follow up and support the implementation and evaluation of the actions and commitments made by the group. This can involve setting up regular check-ins, reminders, or feedback loops with the group, or providing coaching, mentoring, or consulting services to help them overcome obstacles, solve problems, or achieve goals. You can also create or join online communities, networks, or platforms where the group can continue to interact, exchange, and learn from each other. The aim is to sustain the change and improvement initiated by the facilitation, and to measure and celebrate the progress and outcomes.

4 Reflect and learn

A fourth way to maintain momentum after facilitating a large group is to reflect and learn from your own experience and performance as a facilitator. You can use different tools and methods to reflect and learn, such as self-assessment, peer feedback, supervision, or professional development. You can also document and share your facilitation stories, challenges, and best practices with other facilitators or practitioners in your field. The purpose is to enhance your skills, knowledge, and confidence as a facilitator, and to identify areas for improvement and innovation.

5 Plan and prepare

A fifth way to maintain momentum after facilitating a large group is to plan and prepare for the next facilitation opportunity or challenge. You can use the insights and feedback from the previous facilitation to design and deliver more effective and engaging facilitation processes and interventions. You can also research and explore new trends, tools, and techniques in large group facilitation, and experiment with different approaches and formats. The intention is to continuously improve and adapt your facilitation practice, and to meet the changing needs and expectations of the groups you facilitate.

6 Connect and network

A sixth way to maintain momentum after facilitating a large group is to connect and network with other facilitators and professionals who share your passion and interest in large group facilitation. You can join or create local, national, or international associations, groups, or events that focus on large group facilitation, and participate in their activities, programs, or projects. You can also seek or offer mentorship, collaboration, or partnership opportunities with other facilitators or organizations that work with large groups. The benefit is to expand your network, resources, and opportunities as a facilitator, and to learn from and contribute to the field of large group facilitation.

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?