What's your strategy for setting expectations in facilitation sessions?

1 Why set expectations?

Setting expectations is not only a courtesy, but also a necessity for effective facilitation. Doing so can help to establish the purpose, scope, and goals of the session. It can also clarify the roles and responsibilities of the facilitator and participants, create a positive and respectful atmosphere for dialogue, address any concerns or questions that might arise, manage the time, resources, and logistics of the session, and align the expectations of the participants with the outcomes of the session.

2 How to set expectations?

Setting expectations in facilitation sessions requires careful consideration of the context, audience, and objectives. To do this effectively, it's important to prepare in advance by gathering information about the participants and designing a relevant, engaging, and realistic session plan. During the session, introduce yourself as the facilitator and explain your role. Present the topic, objectives, agenda, and ground rules to ensure everyone understands them. Invite feedback and input throughout the session using surveys, polls, check-ins, or evaluations. At the end of the session, summarize the main points, outcomes, and actions. Ask participants to reflect on their learning and experience and share their key takeaways or next steps. Finally, thank them for their participation and celebrate the success of the session.

3 What are some best practices?

Setting expectations in facilitation sessions is not a one-time activity, but an ongoing process that requires attention and adaptation. To do this effectively and efficiently, be clear and specific with your language, avoiding ambiguity or jargon. Provide examples, scenarios, or criteria to illustrate the expectations, and make sure they are measurable and achievable. Additionally, be flexible and responsive to the changing needs of the group. Listen to the feedback and input of the participants, and address any gaps, conflicts, or misunderstandings that might arise. Respect the diversity of the participants and include everyone in the session. Create a safe and supportive space for them to learn, collaborate, and grow. Setting expectations in facilitation sessions is a key skill that can help you lead your participants to achieve their goals and objectives. What strategies do you use? Share your tips and experiences with us!

4 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?