Facilitation:

Foundational Skills and Strategies for Making Groups Work

Workshop Flyer

Many of us have responsibility for leading a variety of group discussions, whether as a manager who leads a regularly scheduled team meeting, a chairperson leading a committee or perhaps someone within a non-profit or volunteer group working with others on a project. While group work can often be an exhilarating and productive experience, it can also be a frustrating and challenging one. A difference of perspective is a healthy and a necessary component for meaningful discussion and actions, but too often these differences result in confusion and a lack of productivity. Worse, they can result in interpersonal conflict that can derail the group completely.

This active and practical two-day program provides the foundational elements for enhancing your skills and confidence as a facilitator who is tasked with the responsibility of helping a group discuss and address common concerns.

Who will benefit?

• Any individual who has responsibility for leading group discussions
• Leaders who would like to develop a more facilitative and interactive approach
• Individuals who are new to the facilitator role as well as those wishing to refresh their skills and understanding of the role

Content

Topics include:

• Understanding the Facilitator Role
• Establishing the Purpose of the Facilitation
• Determining the Facilitation Process
• Creating Buy-in and Participation
• Effective Listening Techniques
• Addressing Common Challenging Behaviours
• Providing Constructive Feedback
• Using Basic Process Tools
• Maintaining the Energy of the Group

Teaching Methodology

The delivery methods for this workshop will include short lecture, participant interaction, small and large group work, individual and group presentations and reflection.

Facilitator

Rick Paradis is an Organizational and Human Resource Consultant. He has over 20 years experience with a wide range of public and private organizations throughout Atlantic Canada. For a number of years, Rick held Organizational Health and Human Resource positions with organizations such as Maritime Life Assurance Company and the IWK Grace Health Centre. He teaches in the Dalhousie University Certificate in Adult Education program and has taught at Henson College’s Advanced Management Centre and Dalhousie’s Employee and Organizational Development unit.

Rick’s roots are in youth development and cross-cultural educational programs including work with Canadian Crossroads International, Katimavik and the Youth Leadership Council for Atlantic Canada.

He is a graduate of the Executive MBA Program at Saint Mary’s University and is certified to administer the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator.

Schedule & Fee

Fee includes HST, a binder with all materials and a light snack served each morning.

NOTE: The Graduate Fee is a discounted price for Dalhousie University College of Continuing Education Certificate in Adult Education graduates.