Courses

Course Description

While always being able to have a non-biased facilitator running workplace discussions would be ideal, it is not the situation most leaders are in, which is why this course is focused on providing skills and tools that can be used in a wide variety of leadership situations.

Instructor: Jeannette Grace

“Very helpful for facilitators at all levels of experience.” – from spring 2017 participant 

 “I enjoyed the activities because they were related to real-life scenarios.” – from Anita Patel 

“Facilitate”
Verb: to smooth or expedite – for example – smoothing the process of providing input and/or expediting the gathering of information.
Evolved verb: moderating a discussion in a non-biased manner

“Facilitation”
The gathering of people’s ideas, insights, and opinions is part art and part science.

This course will improve both aspects.

• The science is knowing what analysis needs to be done before and after the session, along with knowing what tools to choose to get the inclusion you seek.
• The art is knowing how to monitor and adjust during the session to ensure that people are participating – and doing so in a positive manner.
• Length: 4 days
• This course pairs well with the Executing Change Certificate and Succeeding with Projects Certificate.

3.36 CEUs

AUDIENCE: People who lead teams, departments, change initiatives, project teams, process improvement efforts, and/or determine goals and strategic plans.

After taking this course, participants will be able to:

Module 1: Facilitation 101  

• Comprehend the role of the facilitator
• Understand facilitation parts: prepare, engage, expedite, and close
• Conduct a stakeholder analysis
• Utilize templates for meeting agendas
• Know and execute the components of a facilitation plan
• Secure participant engagement
• Understand the essentials of group dynamics and how to use it in meetings
• Utilize strategies to follow-up meeting discussions and actions
• Use tools to encourage participation and meet objectives
• Close the session to encourage action

Module 2: Information Gathering Techniques

• Comprehend that gathering information is critical
• Understand techniques to gather information and the purpose/usefulness of each
• Apply techniques to elicit opinions
• Utilize basic root cause analysis techniques

Module 3: Beyond Information Gathering

• Be aware and plan for the social facilitation factor (people change reactions based on who else is in the room)
• Understand the strengths and weaknesses of a variety of decision-making models
• Teach your own participants skills for constructive group participation

Module 4: Harnessing Conflict

• Know how to leverage conflict
• Utilize strategies to keep people on task

Module 5: Customizing Special Situations

• Analyze the meeting situation to anticipate obstacles
• Use tools to minimize meeting saboteurs
• Learn strategies to pause a meeting run amuck

Module 6: Case Study

• Using a case study, practice the skills and use the tools to prepare for a facilitation session
• Facilitate an information-gathering session and receive peer feedback
• Discuss the different choices and techniques that participants utilized

Price: $1,253.00 Early Bird Pricing: $1127.00 up to 4 weeks prior to the course start date.

• Course Texts: no texts are used in this course
• Food: Lunch is included in courses that are at least 7 hours in length

If your organization has at least 6 participants and you desire to host the class at your site or if you would like to customize this course specifically for your organization, contact Beth Schaefer at 651-999-5834 or beth.schaefer@metrostate.edu

Cancellation Policy:

Class cancellations must be done fourteen full business days before the class start date.  No refunds for cancellations of less than fourteen full business days.  No Shows/Missed Classes – Refunds will not be issued for any missed class.  Late Arrivals/Early Departures – Metropolitan State University reserves the right to decrease continuing education units issued for late arrivals and early departures.  Written confirmation will be sent to you a week before class.  If a class is canceled, you will be contacted by phone, mail, or email.  Metropolitan State University reserves the right to cancel courses due to insufficient enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, such as weather (a full refund will be granted).