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How to use a classic model in leading change with your team – Part 2a
Leading change is a challenge and a responsibility Having a classic model to help you in leading change gives you the confidence to keep moving. This is Part 2a of a two-part series in leading change with your team (Check out Part 1 ) The five stages of group development...
How to quickly close a workshop
How to quickly close a workshop when you're running out of time There are plenty of approaches regarding how to quickly close a workshop... Finishing a workshop on time is important to me - especially when people have to travel. At a two day planning workshop for an Emergency Services ...
Good Facilitator : Bad facilitator
What does being a good facilitator look like? To become a good facilitator, it's worth reflecting on where you are now and the traits you have. Let's start by considering the 'Wow, that was so good' vs 'There's three hours of my life I'll never have again' aspects of facilitation...
What to do when you’re in the poo – the subtle art of not winging it as facilitator
Being labelled or known as a ‘facilitator’ can be a source of grief... Now, this may sound really weird coming from someone who’s been using facilitation as the basis of their business for 25+ years, but stick with me on this… In a previous life employed within a large organisation,...
Improve your workplace culture through a first steps individual culture
As a manager or business owner, there's often outside noise telling you to improve your workplace culture. This can come from a range of sources, many of whom either haven't walked in your shoes or have little hands-on experience in workplace culture. This is real You may remember that my...
Dealing with angry stakeholders
Dealing with angry stakeholders can be a challenge As a facilitator, it’s important to have a clear plan when approaching a workshop or project where you anticipate that you’ll be dealing with angry stakeholders. This is real The following tips are based on a previous stakeholder engagement program run with...
Ground rules for groups
Ground rules for groups can be your friend in a time of need Ground rules for groups have their place if you envisage some challenges in managing a group, it’s a new group or you have not worked with them before. Also known as a group contract, this process encourages...
Facilitation 101 – Participant Introductions
Participant introductions can help you to kick off your workshop in style. Most of us like to know a bit more about the people we’re working with and a workshop situation is no different. Participant introductions can help people to find out what skills and experience lie within the group,...
Why games in workshops suck – and why they don’t
Using games in workshops - yes, no, maybe? Here are two very different examples of using games in workshops... In a previous life I appeared on a short-running TV game show called ‘Keynotes.’ The aim of the game was to complete the next line of a mystery song, often played...
Ideas for icebreakers in workshops and meetings
Ideas for icebreakers for new and existing groups If you need ideas for icebreakers for your next meeting or workshop, you’re in the right place. This compilation of ideas for icebreakers has been put together in partnership with my long-time facilitation buddies Will Bessen and Margo O’Byrne. Ideas for icebreakers...
25 years in facilitation – so much to be thankful for
January 2025 marks 25 years in the facilitation business for me Focusing on facilitation and stakeholder engagement, it’s been an entertaining and at times challenging experience. As an insight - my ‘office’ in January 2000 was in the sleepout of our two-bedroom house in suburban Perth. Initially there was no...
What preparing for a half marathon taught me about co-facilitation
Co-facilitation requires preparation too To begin with, I’m not saying that I view co-facilitation as a challenge or a grind, but it’s no ‘walk in the park either.’ It’s just something that you need to prepare for… The ‘back-story’ A few years ago my wife, Georgie, and I achieved what...
Workshop reports – options for fast follow-up after your workshop
Use workshop reports to maintain momentum Fast follow-up will keep your team engaged and enthused. Importantly, getting your workshop reports done asap after your workshop will help to validate the efforts of your team, further emphasising the importance and value of their work. For context, from the previous three parts...
Developing a strong vision statement
A strong vision statement will provide direction for your team My definition of a vision statement is that it clearly describes the ‘change you want to create’. Simple! For context, from the previous two parts of this series you now have the tools to: Dedicate sufficient time and resources to...
Getting participants primed for your planning workshop
Make sure your team is good to go for your next planning workshop So you’ve pressed the ‘go’ button and are excited about what your planning workshop may be able to deliver. For context, from the previous post in this series, you now have the tools to identify the time...
Facilitation training opportunities in Perth
It's time to make the most of facilitation training opportunities in Perth Facilitation training opportunities in Perth don't appear that often. So, I'm absolutely thrilled to announce that the Facilitation WA Skills Lab is happening on 1 April 2025 at Vibe Hotel Subiaco. Don't miss this chance to invest in...
How to get maximum benefit from your strategic planning session
Part One – Designing your Planning Session Getting your team together and on the same page via a planning session is a great move. As you’ve probably experienced, most well-designed planning sessions will provide clarity, connection and certainty for those involved. If you’ve put reasonable thought into the session, you...
Team Review and Planning Workshop
Let’s get your team focused and firing into 2025 We’re rocketing towards the end of 2024, and what a year it’s been! For you and your team there’ll be lots going on – school commitments, social functions, holidays to prepare for and Christmas shopping to get done. All this can...