I don’t know about you, but I am noticing that a lot more companies are recognising the value of bringing in external facilitators to support their teams through strategic discussions, workshops, and decision-making processes. As a trained facilitator with extensive experience, including my current role facilitating the Help to Grow programme at University of Winchester, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative impact that skilled facilitation can have on organisations.
What Is an External Facilitator?
An external facilitator is an impartial, trained professional who guides groups through structured processes to achieve specific outcomes. Unlike internal facilitators, external facilitators bring a fresh perspective, neutrality, and specialised expertise to the table. In fact, they are adept at managing group dynamics, fostering open communication, and ensuring that meetings are productive and focused.
You might say, “You would say that, wouldn’t you?” And yes, well, that’s true. However, here are ten pretty persuasive reasons why your business could find using a facilitator a very helpful decision.
My Top 10 reasons:
Objectivity and Neutrality: one of the primary benefits of hiring an external facilitator is the objectivity they bring to the table. Internal facilitators may have existing relationships and biases that can influence discussions. In contrast, external facilitators approach each session with a neutral stance, ensuring that all voices are heard and that decisions are made based on merit rather than internal politics.
Expertise and Experience: External facilitators often possess specialised skills and experience in managing group dynamics and facilitating complex discussions. Likewise, their expertise allows them to employ proven techniques to encourage participation, resolve conflicts, and keep discussions on track. Consequently, meetings are not only efficient but also effective in achieving their objectives
Enhanced Group Dynamics: skilled facilitators are adept at managing group dynamics, ensuring that everyone has taken part and that no single voice dominates the conversation. In addition, they create an environment where the room values diverse perspectives, leading to richer discussions and more innovative solutions. This inclusivity actually fosters a sense of ownership and commitment among team members .
Focused and Productive Meetings: external facilitators take the burden of managing the meeting process off internal team members. Therefore, participants are free to focus entirely on content and decision-making. They ensure that meetings are well-structured, time-efficient, and aligned with the organisation’s goals. This leads to more productive sessions and tangible outcomes .
Conflict Resolution: in any group setting, conflicts can arise: External facilitators have had the training to identify and address conflicts constructively, ensuring that disagreements do not derail the group’s progress. By fostering open communication and providing strategies for conflict resolution, facilitators help maintain a positive and collaborative environment.
Driving Innovation and Creativity: facilitators employ creative techniques to stimulate brainstorming and encourage innovative thinking. They challenge assumptions and encourage out-of-the-box thinking. In turn this helps teams explore new ideas and solutions. Above all, this approach is valuable in strategic planning sessions where fresh perspectives are crucial.
Tailored Approaches to Team Needs: external facilitators can customise their approach to suit the specific needs and objectives of the team. Whether the focus is on leadership development, communication skills, or strategic planning, facilitators design sessions that address the unique challenges and goals of the organisation, ensuring relevance and effectiveness.
Building Trust and Psychological Safety: an external facilitator can create a safe space where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas without fear of judgment. This psychological safety is essential for fostering trust through encouraging open communication. In turn, this leads to stronger team cohesion and more effective collaboration.
Supporting Change Management: organisations undergoing change can benefit from the support of an external facilitator. Facilitators help manage the human side of change. They do this by guiding teams through transitions, addressing concerns, and fostering a positive attitude towards new initiatives. This support can ease the change process and increase the likelihood of successful implementation.
Long-Term Impact: the benefits of external facilitation extend beyond individual sessions. By equipping teams with the tools and skills to manage their own discussions and decision-making processes, facilitators contribute to the long-term development of the organisation. This empowerment leads to lasting improvements in team performance and organisational effectiveness .
My Experience as an External Facilitator
Having facilitated numerous workshops and programmes, I have seen the profound impact that skilled facilitation can have on organisations. As I have mentioned, I am delighted to include the Help to Grow: Management programme at University of Winchester’s Business School in this. The Help to Grow:Management programme, designed to support small and medium-sized businesses, provides a structured framework for strategic growth for participant companies. It’s a total privilege to work with the inspirational entrepreneurs that attend the programme. Through Help to Grow, I get to guide participants through a series of sessions that challenge their thinking, encourage collaboration and equip them with the tools to drive their businesses forward. So, yet again, there’s a big benefit to having a discussion facilitated so that the participants can focus on their business. Further, there’s the added benefit that you creat a sense of cohort. There’s few things that can actually beat a shared sense of experience to bring people together.
“Many Reasons Why?” an External Facilitator
Hiring an external facilitator is an investment in your organisation’s success. The objectivity, expertise and specialised skills they bring can transform meetings. Let’s think about this. On the one hand you could keep on with a predictable, routine gathering. On the other, you could hold a dynamic session that drives innovation, resolve conflicts and achieve strategic objectives. Simple decision, right? For instance, you might be planning a strategic workshop. You might want a really good team-building session. Maybe you’re navigating organisational change, and need some neutral help. Whichever you want, an external facilitator can provide the guidance and support needed to unlock your team’s full potential.
In summary, if you’re interested in exploring how external facilitation can benefit your organisation, consider a qualified facilitator. Discuss your specific needs and objectives with them. The right facilitator can make all the difference in achieving your goals and driving long-term success. Trust me, you’ll be so pleased you did. And if you want to speak to me about your needs, please get in touch.