You're leading a large group facilitation session. How can you gather feedback to enhance your performance?

2 Observation Notes

Having a colleague or assistant take observation notes is an invaluable method for gathering unbiased feedback. They can document participant engagement, body language, and the overall atmosphere of the session without disrupting the flow. Afterward, reviewing these notes can provide insights into areas of success and those requiring improvement. This method captures the nuances of group dynamics that you might miss while focusing on leading the session, offering a different perspective on your facilitation techniques.

4 Feedback Forms

Distributing feedback forms at the end of the session provides participants with the opportunity to reflect on their experience and offer detailed responses. These forms should include both quantitative measures, such as rating scales, and qualitative questions for written comments. The anonymity of feedback forms can lead to more candid responses, giving you a clearer picture of your facilitation strengths and areas for development. Carefully analyzing this feedback is essential for making informed adjustments to your future sessions.

5 Follow-Up Surveys

Sending out follow-up surveys a few days after the session can capture reflections on the long-term impact of your facilitation. Participants may have insights on how the session influenced their thinking or actions once they've had time to process the information. These surveys can also measure the retention of key points and the applicability of skills learned during the session. This delayed feedback is crucial for understanding the lasting effectiveness of your facilitation methods.

6 Peer Review

Engaging with fellow facilitators for a peer review can offer a professional critique of your facilitation skills. By inviting a trusted colleague to observe your session and provide feedback, you can benefit from their expertise and experience. They can identify technical aspects of facilitation that you might overlook and suggest improvements based on best practices in the field. This peer-to-peer exchange is an excellent way to gain targeted advice for enhancing your performance in future sessions.