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 air conditioning or heating and I had to move the futon to get to the desk! When I needed to use the internet or email I had to disconnect the phone (and fax) to access dial-up.
Looking back, it was a pretty big gamble as we’d bought the house just a few months beforehand, only for me to leave a good job to jump into the world of sole operator.
Seriously? Who does that?
I’m grateful to this day that things have worked out.
Over next few weeks I plan to share some of what I’ve learnt and how you may be able to apply it.
One thing that has stood out is the importance of having good support and good supporters
Today I want to kick off by saying a heartfelt, HUGE thank you to so many people who have helped me throughout.
This of course is a risky exercise, as there will be people who I’ll miss. If that’s you, book me for a coffee or glass of red!
Managers
Whilst working for the Department of Agriculture in Victoria and WA I was extremely lucky to have supportive and encouraging managers who simply said ‘yes’ to my requests to undertake training in facilitation. It was an emerging beast at that time, particularly in the agricultural sector.
Amazing people like Ken Sampson and Neil McBeath (Echuca), Cath Botta, Gerry Mahoney and Mark Cotter (Benalla); and Peter McLeod (Northam) got me on my way with access to training and development programs, as well as urging me to practise my newfound facilitation skills.
Illuminators
That initial training came from some of the best such as Kevin Balm, Viv McWaters and Peter Box. They lit the way for me. Later my skills were enhanced through programs delivered by legends like Bob Dick, Sam Kaner, Dorothy Strachan, Michelle Walker and Janine Waldman.
Mentors
Whenever I needed a sounding board, I was lucky to be able to share ideas with bright and thoughtful people such as Margo O’Byrne and Bevan Bessen.
Peers
Being part of the Australasian Facilitators Network, International Association of Public Participation, the Australasian Pacific Extension Network and International Association of Facilitators has been crucial. There are so many of you amongst these groups who have inspired me and made me feel part of something that gave meaning to my role. The conferences have always been epic!
Colleagues
Having people to collaborate with on a range of exciting and often demanding projects has been critical to longevity. Imagine getting to work with the talented Bevan Bessen, Will Bessen, Cath Botta, Pete Botta, Rhiannon Bristow-Stagg, Becci Clarke, Anna Dixon, Susanna Durston, Gillian Hayman, John Kelly, Joel Levin, Cynthia Mahoney, Thea Orr and Tammie Reid. What a privilege!
Besties
In addition to my mentors I’ve been hugely fortunate to be able to call on the business, agriculture and people expertise of long-time besties Kate Burke, Grant Hollaway and Daryl Poole. Friends with four brains are great friends indeed!
Clients
A special thanks goes to the amazing Pam I’Anson, who had faith in me to do my first paid facilitation gig. The teams I’ve since worked with at Agriculture Victoria, AFAC, DBCA, DPRID, DWER, Grower Group Alliance and PDC to name a few are doing brilliant work on a consistent basis and are so enjoyable to work alongside.
The No.1
Of course, none of this would have been at all possible without my No.1 supporter, Georgie. Sometimes you probably wonder where the hell I am and just what it is I’m doing at places like Kununurra, Port Hedland and Mount Magnet. Your positiveness and confidence in me have kept me going each and every day!
And finally…
Thanks for sticking with this semi-indulgent piece. Here are three top-of mind thoughts re facilitation and stakeholder engagement:
- Being prepared is much better than being right
- Balance understanding of where a group wants to go with providing them with proactive suggestions on their options
- There’s always an opportunity to learn from any situation (see point 1)
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