Our Approach to Meetings Design and Facilitation

The approach we take to is based on some core principles and the belief that meetings actually need to be designed in order to be productive and fulfilling.

Although we are known in the main for our work with large group methodologies, we also work with individuals and small groups and apply these principles in these situations too. This gives flexibility to our approach depending upon the context of the work and means we are not limited to a set of fixed "tools" for every occasion.

A very useful resource for group work - Facilitators Guide to Participatory Decision-Making has the following quote which summarises our philosophy:

"I see group facilitation as a whole constellation of ingredients: a deep belief in the wisdom and creativity of people; a search for synergy and overlapping goals; the ability to listen openly and actively; a working knowledge of group dynamics; a deep belief in the inherent power of groups and teams; a respect for individuals and their points of view; patience and a high tolerance for ambiguity to let a decision evolve and gel; strong interpersonal and collaborative problem solving skills; an understanding of thinking processes; and a flexible versus a lock-step approach to resolving issues and making decisions."
Michael Doyle
Facilitators Guide to Participatory Decision-Making
(New Society Publishers)

We also work with the Bechard Formula for Change D x V x C x F > R

This is a formula for change that begins by acknowledging that there is often some form of resistance to change in individuals, organisations and communities running in parallel with their natural inclination to change. Where that resistance (R) is present it is often the case that the more we tackle it head on, the stronger the resistance gets. The power in this formula is in acknowledging that in order to overcome resistance to change we need to start on the other side of the equation and consider all of the various perspectives.

Dissatisfaction	What is the dissatisfaction, where is it shared, how is it understood and experienced differently?
Vision	What do people yearn for and aspire to? What are their common goals and desires?
Capacity	What is the capacity for change in terms of time, resources, energy and capability? How can this be generated and shared?
First Steps	What first steps could people undertake which they all agree would be moving them in the right direction?

Since the equation is constructed as:

D x V x C x F > R

then if any of these elements is zero the whole of the left hand side of the equation will be less then the resistance to change. As we pay attention to exploring these elements and increase their value our likelihood of overcoming resistance is increased.