Taking the human factor into account
You can balance the contents of an agenda with the time available for the meeting in several ways. While these “structural” elements can go a long way toward improving the [...]
You can balance the contents of an agenda with the time available for the meeting in several ways. While these “structural” elements can go a long way toward improving the [...]
In a world where innovation is discussed in relation to every organizational area, why do meetings remain stuck in the 19th century? We know that meetings, whether face-to-face or virtual, [...]
Consensus demands a lot from those who practice it. The process itself requires us to change some of the bad habits —vices really— that get in the way of reaching [...]
The short answer to the question “Does every decision require consensus?” is “No, of course not! The even shorter answer is “It depends.” Groups implementing consensus process for the first [...]
Many groups choose to use consensus process because they want an alternative to the organizational model in which the “leaders” decide everything. They seek a more horizontal structure which honors [...]
Consensus does not just happen. Certain conditions must prevail in order for a group to reach a clear agreement that (almost) everyone will support. IIFAC's recently published, free Guide to [...]
Consensus means different things to different people - and this can be confusing. For some, consensus signifies “general agreement.” This vague assertion does not tell us how this alleged agreement [...]
This common misconception that “we all decide everything together” is a recipe for frustration and failure. True consensus process does not mean endless meetings and little forward momentum toward common [...]
The short answer is: Maybe. Here are some conditions that work against the successful adoption of consensus process: Leadership values control over collaboration, that is, the leaders do not want [...]
This comes as a surprise to those of you who are accustomed to voting and then, if more people are for the proposal than against, declaring “consensus.” If the vote [...]
People complain a lot about bad meetings – and for good reason. Boring, unproductive meetings are a worldwide plague. Participants leave frustrated by the waste of their time spent in [...]
Still unclear on the concept of what a process facilitator does and why you might want to become one? Don´t worry. It is an occupational hazard. Sometimes I long for [...]
Process facilitators get this question all the time. Despite the fact that there are thousands of us around the world and an international association that sets professional standards and defines [...]
November 1991. Northern Michigan, almost at the Canadian border. Ten people gathered in a small hostel for a weeklong training in group facilitation and consensus decision-making. I was thinking, "A [...]
Writing about IIFAC's 10th anniversary timeline caused me to think about how history happens. One thing is for sure --at least in my case-- the outcome is always a surprise. [...]
You will lose. People who are checking their email, exchanging text messages, surfing the web, tweeting or playing "Words with Friends" during a meeting are NOT fully engaged with the [...]
Too often meetings start out by making a collective list of issues to be addressed. The resulting "laundry list" includes everything from broad concepts (strategic planning) to pet peeves (messy [...]
We've all been in meetings where the discussion goes around in circles, the same issues are raised over and over again. If someone proposes a solution, it is attacked and [...]
Imagine this scenario: Six people gather around a table in the conference room for their weekly staff meeting. They sip coffee, chat about football, politics or the family vacation, enjoying [...]
This is a message for those who never chose to be a group facilitator, but nevertheless have had responsibility for meetings thrust upon them. Before your next meeting, drugs take [...]
In a recent training on Effective Meetings I was asked, “What is the ideal number of meeting participants?” My short answer is that there is no ideal number. What really matters [...]
The puzzled expression on people´s faces when I tell them what I do. Of course, health I often wish that group facilitation were a more readily understood occupation. But I [...]
Here’s a touchy subject: when is it OK to interrupt a speaker? Review these guidelines and be assured that sometimes, interruption is exactly what’s called for. When he/she is Exceeding their [...]
Groups who are struggling to find a solution to an issue will sometimes turn to the facilitator for advice, asking, “What do you think we should do?” While their confidence in [...]