What's the best facilitation style for your group?

1 Directive facilitation

Directive facilitation is a style that involves leading the group through a structured process, providing clear instructions, and making decisions for the group. This style is useful when the facilitator has a lot of expertise, the group needs guidance, and the goal is clear and specific. However, this style can also limit the creativity, autonomy, and engagement of the group, and may create resistance or dependency.

2 Participatory facilitation

Participatory facilitation is a style that involves empowering the group to take ownership of the process, providing support and feedback, and facilitating consensus. This style is useful when the facilitator wants to foster a sense of community, the group has diverse perspectives and experiences, and the goal is broad and complex. However, this style can also be time-consuming, challenging, and unpredictable, and may require more preparation and flexibility.

3 Adaptive facilitation

Adaptive facilitation is a style that involves adjusting the process according to the needs, dynamics, and feedback of the group, using a variety of tools and techniques, and balancing structure and flexibility. This style is useful when the facilitator wants to respond to the changing situation, the group has different levels of readiness and motivation, and the goal is evolving and emergent. However, this style can also be demanding, complex, and risky, and may require more skill and experience.

4 Heron's six-category intervention model

Heron's six-category intervention model is a framework that helps facilitators choose the most appropriate type of intervention for each situation. The model categorizes interventions into six types: prescriptive, informative, confronting, cathartic, catalytic, and supportive. Each type has a different purpose, effect, and level of authority. Facilitators can use this model to assess the needs of the group, the context of the intervention, and the impact of their actions.

5 Kolb's experiential learning cycle

Kolb's experiential learning cycle is a model that helps facilitators design and facilitate learning experiences for groups. The model is based on the idea that learning occurs through a cycle of four stages: concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation. Each stage involves different types of activities, skills, and outcomes. Facilitators can use this model to create and sequence learning activities that suit the learning styles and objectives of the group.

6 ORID model

ORID model is a model that helps facilitators structure and facilitate conversations for groups. The model is based on the idea that conversations can be divided into four levels: objective, reflective, interpretive, and decisional. Each level involves different types of questions, responses, and goals. Facilitators can use this model to guide the group through a logical and meaningful dialogue that leads to action.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?