Copy of Mastering Facilitation - Building a Professional Knowledge Base

In this article, I share what has worked for me in building up a knowledge base as a Professional Facilitator.

Most facilitators (including me in the initial years !) focus on "content" knowledge in the fields they train on. So leadership models, human behavioural theories, decision making frameworks etc.

As a facilitator we need to build a sound knowledge base on "Facilitation" as a subject. For Professional Facilitators, it as a one of the essential competencies. International Association of Facilitators defines it as "Build and Maintain Professional Knowledge.

How do we go about building our knowledge base? My experience has been that it is a process. A continuous process.

Here are four things that will professional facilitators-

1?? Read Books ??

Walk in my shoes for a mile, and you will reach a book shop !

Books by globally established facilitators provide a wealth of knowledge. They provide the fundamentals of facilitation. Structured approach to designing and executing facilitative sessions. They even provide best practices and case studies from across the globe.

And like all good things, we do need to invest resources, time and effort in reading books.

A challenge for me is that I love to read hard copy editions. There a love of the book I relish ! A lot of information is now available on the net. So do browse for it. Though, do read some books. The knowledge they provide is un-matched.

The picture below is a glimpse of my desk today morning - some books that have helped me build my knowledge base on facilitative methods.

2?? Learn from experienced fellow facilitators ??

Observation is a powerful tool for building your own knowledge. Not just about which methods to use. Also how to use those methods. Learn from what the experienced facilitators do. And also from what mistakes they make !

Most of my learning has been on job. I learnt from colleagues from across the globe. The trouble is, this takes time and is dependent on opportunities you may get.

When I joined groups where sharing of best practices is a norm. I have even my close group of fellow facilitators with whom I keep sharing. Discussing facilitative methods, their benefit, their challenges.

During my engineering study (yes I am a Chemical Engineer !) we used cylidrical cases to carry our engineering drawing sheets. Years later I learnt it is a good idea to have a case for carrying the charts we make for facilitative sessions ! After I had ruined some charts in travel !!

3?? Go through a formal training ??

Many facilitators (most !) think they are skilled and hence they do not need to get more training on facilitation.

Going through a training on facilitative methods and facilitation approach helps. It builds and expands our understanding of facilitation. And each learning experience will add some knowledge. In fact for me it has always helped me un-cover a new side of facilitation.

I my self have gone through such learning opportunities. A memorable one was just post the pandemic. When I attended a course on Live On Line Learning Activities (LOLA) by Thiagi Group.

Did I feel I knew most things ?... yes I did.

Did I invest on the course ?... yes I did.

Did I find the learning experience worthwhile ?... yes I did.

It helped me expand my knowledge base a lot.

4?? Practice Practice Practice ??

At the start of 2024 my wife decided to learn cycling. One of her new year resolutions. So she requested a trainer to bring a cycle and train her. I observed the trainer did not "teach" her how to cycle. He was just there. And told her to sit on the bi-cycle and start pedalling. As she put the foot on the pedals and tried shed learnt how to ride the by-cycle. Took her about a week and she learnt cycling.

Practicing the facilitation methods is the best way to build professional knowledge. If you get feedback on your practice- fantastic. Else always do a self-reflection.

Theoretical knowledge is good to build. It becomes potent when practiced. So practice facilitation methods. Experiment with them. Test out the techniques. As they say life is the best teacher. So live facilitation !

? Note:

Many facilitators often tell me "I do not get opportunity to practice". Well, create the opportunities. We do not need an air conditioned conference halls.

One of my first exposures to facilitation was on the road side. Way back when I was in the oil industry. We used to go and meet mechanics in the automotive repair markets. One of my senior colleagues used to facilitate conversations with mechanics. In the road side mechanic shops. They would talk about car engine maintenance. And through those facilitated conversations mechanics would uncover the value provided by us.

Look for situations that need groups to brainstorm and decide. Could be at the place you work. Could be at the place you live. Practice the facilitative approach.

?? In Summary

Building a sound knowledge base is critical for Professional Facilitators. And it is an ongoing exercise that includes -

? Reading books

? Learning from others

? Joining a professional course

? Practice Practice Practice

Will share more about Facilitation and Methods.

So keep a look out for more articles and posts. And do encourage me !!