Strategic Facilitation: Avoiding Common Pitfalls For Enhanced Global Teams Success

Did you know that a significant number of organizational challenges fail because the wrong problems are being addressed, or because the right people aren’t involved, or the processes in place aren’t suited to the needs of these people? It’s a multifaceted issue that becomes even more complex in a global setting, where teams are scattered across various time zones and operate in differing modes of delivery.

The ability to efficiently solve problems and make decisions is more crucial than ever.

However, achieving these objectives is no small task, especially when teams are diverse and geographically dispersed. This is where the power of effective facilitation comes into play.

Facilitation is not just about making meetings smoother—it's about ensuring that the right problems are identified and tackled with the best strategies and that every team member is aligned and able to contribute, regardless of their location. A skilled facilitator acts as a catalyst for communication and collaboration, guiding teams through complex processes to achieve clear, actionable outcomes.

But what happens when organizations delay engaging facilitators, or when they choose facilitators who aren’t the right fit for their teams? The consequences can be significant, from wasted resources and unresolved issues to strained team dynamics and lost opportunities.

Recognizing the vital role of facilitation, my colleague and I have embarked on a global partnership.

Imagine a world where collaboration knows no boundaries.

That's the world Susanna and I have envisioned and are turning into reality with our new global partnership.

Throughout our careers, Susanna and I have encountered a wide range of organizational challenges—from poor collaboration and stakeholder misalignment to inefficient business processes. We've seen teams struggle with starting projects effectively, engaging stakeholders, and learning from past initiatives.

Our partnership is crafted to address these pain points by providing expert facilitation in the areas of project management, strategic planning and organisational development ensure organisations are on the path to success from the get-go.

3 Common Mistakes in Engaging Facilitators:

Mistake 1: Engaging Facilitators Too Late

→ Imagine solving a puzzle with missing pieces, only realizing you had them all along but didn't use them. That’s like seeking facilitation too late.

Delaying the engagement of a facilitator until after repeated failures often results in rushed decisions and financial inefficiencies. It strains resources, as leaders might pay from their pockets, and purchase orders don't get issued in time, causing delays and added stress within teams.

Mistake 2: Using Internal Managers as Facilitators

→ When a chef is asked to judge his own cooking contest, can we expect a fair outcome?

Having managers facilitate their own team sessions can lead to biased decisions and can often prevents the deep, unbiased analysis necessary for resolving underlying issues. It restricts the team’s development and fosters a culture of unresolved problems.

Mistake 3: Rushing to Hire Available Facilitators

→ Choosing the first available option often leaves you with ill-fitting shoes; similarly, hastily chosen facilitators can misalign with organizational needs.

Opting for the readily available facilitator instead of the right fit can lead to ineffective facilitation, where the facilitator's style or expertise does not align with the team's needs. This mismatch can exacerbate existing issues rather than resolving them, impacting overall team performance and morale.

Three Essential Actions for Leaders to Optimize Facilitation

1. Integrate Facilitation at the Onset of Projects

Leaders should incorporate facilitation strategies right from the project's planning phase. By doing so, they can ensure that the scope, goals, and roles are clearly defined and understood by all team members.

This early integration saves significant time and resources, as it allows for project alignment and better allocation of resources. It helps in setting a clear path forward, minimizing the need for costly and time-consuming course corrections later.

2. Engage Professional, Neutral Facilitators

Select facilitators who are not only skilled but also neutral, meaning they have no stake in the project's outcomes. This objectivity is crucial for ensuring all voices are heard and integrated into the decision-making process.

Professional facilitators bring impartiality and specialized skills to guide discussions and activities. They ensure that every participant is equally engaged, leading to more comprehensive and actionable plans. This practice avoids biases that can skew project outcomes and ensures a fair process.

3. Establish Formal Relationships with Facilitators Early

Leaders should proactively establish formal agreements with trusted facilitators. This involves identifying and vetting facilitators who align well with the organization's culture and the specific needs of the team.

By having a predetermined list of suitable facilitators, organizations can streamline the engagement process. This not only saves time when a project kicks off but also ensures compatibility between the facilitator's approach and the team's dynamics. Early and thoughtful selection of facilitators ensures that when the need arises, the facilitator integrated into the project is the best possible match, enhancing effectiveness and efficiency.

Our Specialized Approach to Emerging Opportunities

In our partnership, we bring specialized tools and techniques to the table, including:

● Opportunity Framing Workshops : Align teams on their goals and develop high-value roadmaps.

● Project Alignment Sessions : Engage project teams in the execute phase to ensure the alignment on project deliverables and interface management with all project functional teams including contractors.

● Lessons Learned Sessions : Help teams reflect on past projects to improve future outcomes.

● Business Improvement Processes : Streamline operations and enhance understanding of organizational value and environment.

● Strategic Planning : Facilitate comprehensive planning at every company level, ensuring all voices are heard and integrated.

● Stakeholder Management: Achieve alignment, clarity, and collaboration among diverse stakeholders to enhance project success

Who We Serve

Our ideal clients are ambitious leaders and their teams from any industry around the globe who are eager to excel and innovate. Whether you are in the Northern Hemisphere or the Asia-Pacific region, our partnership ensures that expert facilitation services are just a call away.

Ready When You Are

Don't wait until it's too late to seek help for your team's collaboration and strategic planning needs.

Book a Free Consult

Reach out to Iwona Wilson at wilson.biz or Susanna Durston at facilita.com.au for a free consultation. #facilitation #globalteams #collaboration #opportunityframing #strategicplanning #lessonslearned #businessimprovement #projects #oilandgas #mining #australia #usa #wilsonbiz #facilita