The role of facilitator is critical to the success of a meeting. A skilled facilitator has the ability to ask just the right question to open discussion and keep a team moving. It can be difficult, however, for internal people to effectively facilitate difficult meetings and conflicted situations because:

• The facilitator can't contribute to the discussion or be a part of the process
  
• Other members of the group may be wary of hidden agendas and 'baggage' from other situations / encounters
  
• People may be hesitant to be open and honest because of potential work-related or personal repercussions
  
• Individuals may not have suitable facilitation experience or skills to deal with tough situations
  
• It can be difficult to maintain the level of neutrality required when there is a personal stake in the outcome
  
• Their creativity may be inhibited by the 'we tried something like that before and it didn't work' thinking

For these and other reasons, it's important to have access to a trained, skilled facilitator to help you plan and manage your important meetings.

Questions or Comments?