Effective Meeting Facilitation
Introduction
Say the word "meeting" and expect to hear sighs, groans, or
sarcastic remarks. Yet, planning requires people to come together frequently
over a period of time in a word meeting. Well-planned and facilitated meetings
sustain participants' energy and allow them to contribute their best thinking to
the planning endeavor.
The planning process is like a slide show that follows a
logical sequence from beginning to end. Each slide represents a single meeting.
The whole of the planning process will be greater than the aggregate of each
meeting, but only if each meeting is orchestrated to accomplish the requisite
function. Like each individual slide, the composition of a meeting is designed
to convey a message or fulfill a purpose.
A large part of the planning process is accomplished in
meetings because, as the saying goes, "Two heads are better than one." Each
member of the planning team brings an essential perspective to the process.
Elements of a plan goals or solutions to problems are not the only outcome of
planning meetings. The interactive work transpiring to develop the plan is as
important - if not more important - than the plan itself. Think of a time you
recounted a funny story, but no one laughed. Then, you realize, "Well, I guess
you had to be there to appreciate it." That's the way it is with planning: Those
who must carry out the plan with energy and enthusiasm, must be there to help
create the plan.
