How do you keep your large group facilitation skills sharp?

1 Practice regularly

The best way to improve your large group facilitation skills is to practice them as often as possible. Seek out opportunities to facilitate different types of groups, topics, and formats, and challenge yourself to try new techniques and approaches. You can also join or create a peer learning network where you can exchange feedback, ideas, and best practices with other facilitators. The more you practice, the more confident and competent you will become.

2 Learn from others

Another way to keep your large group facilitation skills sharp is to learn from others who have more experience or expertise in this field. You can attend or observe other facilitators' sessions and take notes on what works and what doesn't. You can also read books, blogs, podcasts, or online courses that offer insights and tips on large group facilitation. You can also ask for mentoring or coaching from someone you admire or respect as a facilitator. Learning from others can help you expand your knowledge, skills, and perspectives.

3 Reflect and evaluate

A third way to keep your large group facilitation skills sharp is to reflect and evaluate your own performance and outcomes. After each session, you should review your objectives, methods, and results, and identify what went well and what could be improved. You should also solicit feedback from your participants, clients, or stakeholders, and use it to inform your future practice. Reflecting and evaluating can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, and set goals for your professional development.

4 Experiment and innovate

A fourth way to keep your large group facilitation skills sharp is to experiment and innovate with your facilitation style and techniques. You should not be afraid to try new things, test new ideas, and adapt to changing situations. You should also keep up with the latest trends and tools in large group facilitation, such as online platforms, gamification, or participatory methods. Experimenting and innovating can help you keep your sessions fresh, engaging, and relevant.

5 Celebrate and appreciate

A fifth way to keep your large group facilitation skills sharp is to celebrate and appreciate your achievements and contributions. You should acknowledge and reward yourself for your hard work, dedication, and impact. You should also express gratitude and recognition to your participants, clients, or partners, who make your facilitation possible and meaningful. Celebrating and appreciating can help you boost your motivation, confidence, and satisfaction as a facilitator.

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?