Skills and Traits of a Facilitator

Facilitators can come from many backgrounds and have varying levels of experience.  Great facilitators, however, demonstrate the following skills and traits:

Active Listening:  A facilitator has the ability to listen actively, and focus completely on what is said and what is not said. They lead by example, inspiring participants to both fully express themselves and engage in active listening when others are speaking.  

Encouraging Curiosity: A facilitator encourages curiosity and different viewpoints. They are skilled in asking powerful, often open-ended questions, in order to stimulate reflection and discussion.

Problem Solving:  A facilitator is skilled at applying group problem-solving techniques. They can help a group define a problem, reframe it as a clear problem statement and encourage the group to consider a range of solutions to the problem. 

Resolving Conflict: A facilitator recognizes that conflict among group members is natural and, as long as it’s expressed appropriately, does not need to be suppressed. Conflict should be expected and dealt with constructively and respectfully.

Using a Participative Style: A facilitator encourages all participants to actively engage and contribute in activities and discussions, depending on their individual comfort levels. This includes creating a safe and comfortable atmosphere, in which group members are willing to share their thoughts and ideas. 

Encouraging Openness: A facilitator  encourages the group to be open to other people’s ideas, suggestions and perspectives. 

Empathizing and Showing Compassion: A facilitator is understanding, aware and respectful of the feelings, perspectives or actions of others.  

Demonstrating Leadership: A facilitator leads a group of people to reach their collective goals and objectives. 

Building Consensus: A facilitator is skilled in helping groups to achieve general agreement.

Managing Time Effectively: A facilitator keeps things on course while allowing flexibility. They focus on achieving the outcome within a timeframe instead of a strict agenda. Overly restrictive time management can stifle good, purposeful conversations and reflection, whereas a lack of time management can limit focus and progress. 

Setting Objectives: A facilitator communicates the purpose of a meeting in a clear and concise manner. This can be done by setting a strong overarching objective (often done in collaboration with the team) instead of focusing on a strict agenda. 

Communicating Adequately: A facilitator communicates effectively, using clear and concise language.

Being Organized: Facilitation does not start or end with the act of facilitating a group of people. It includes preparation and following-up on decisions that were made.