The Skilled Facilitator

The Skilled Facilitator – Roger Schwarz The Skilled Facilitator: A Comprehensive Resource for Consultants, Facilitators, Managers, Trainers, and Coaches

I am a facilitator/coordinator and had the privilege to attend The Skilled Facilitator Intensive Workshop in June ’08. This was just a couple of months before the financial crisis hit Wall Street and all the other markets around the globe. Would I have tried to sign-up for this training a couple of months later, my company would have asked if I’ve gone mad and never allowed me to travel from Europe all the way to Austin, TX.  

My expectations for the workshop were pretty high, after reading The Skilled Facilitator book by Roger Schwarz and the workshop description on the web. But after attending the training, up till now, I can honestly say that this was by far the best training I ever did. This is not just an approach on how to facilitate groups, but it also teaches how to communicate honestly, and with integrity, with people in general.

Why is this such a special approach? The Skilled Facilitator approach is based on 5 core values:

  • Transparency
  • Curiosity
  • Accountability
  • Informed Choice
  • Compassion

The model they use is called the Mutual Learning Model and is based on the core values mentioned above. It teaches to synchronize your thinking with your actions. It also recognizes that we all share a piece of the truth, as everyone is right from their point of view, and teaches to be compassionate against each other.

Another good thing about the workshop were the exercises which gave me a good mirror how I and other people behave in group discussions and difficult situation. And how applying the Mutual Learning Model would make facilitation and (group) communication more efficient. Very useful and practical.

If you are a facilitator, manager, improving your leadership skills or need to communicate often to your fellow human beings, I highly recommend The Skilled Facilitator book. Or even better, The Skilled Facilitator Intensive Workshop.

For further info contact the Roger Schwarz & Associates site: http://www.schwarzassociates.com/

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1 comment… add one
  • Roseli A. Bakar Apr 21, 2009 @ 12:09

    Very informative blog Patrick.

    I’ll be coming back for further readings.

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