FAQ’S COACHING THE FACILITATOR – QUESTIONS AND BEST TIPS!

Question #1:

I am always nervous before leading a meeting.

Answer:

Create a Mental mantra – what to tell yourself as people enter:

  • It’s up to me to balance structure with interaction.
  • We are here to collaborate.
  • Discussion is rarely perfect.
  • Everyone has something to offer.

 


Question #2:

What should I say  and where should I be first?

Answer:

Connect immediately:

  • Meet and greet pre-presentation.
  • Use friendly eye contact.
  • Move away from the front if standing.
  • If seated, look up, smile, nod, keep open body language.
  • If online, mingle by greeting those present and as they join.
  • Keep vocal energy and volume both online and in person.

 


Question #3:

Will my agenda be boring?

Answer:

At the Agenda List:

  • Welcome with confidence. (You are the cheerleader for your own meeting.)
  • Present with positive voice, posture, direct eyes.
  • Ask if there are any adjustments.
  • The same goes for virtual meetings.

 


Question #4:

I am uncomfortable when nobody speaks.

Answer:

Listen throughout – as you proceed through the agenda:

  • After you ask a question, be silent.
  • Keep eyes up and around the room
  • If it’s a virtual meeting, do the same – allow some time.

 


Question #5:

What’s a better question than “Do you have any questions?”

Answer:

Ask Broad or Open Questions first – such as these:

  • What are your thoughts?
  • What questions or comments do you have?
  • How can we get to the next step?
  • What is another way to look at the issue?
  • What is the value of this?
  • What do we already know?
  • What are the challenges here?

 

Probe and Paraphrase – as needed –  to drill down:

  • What are we missing?
  • So, you feel …(paraphrase). Let’s talk more about it.
  • Is there another example?
  • Tag ‘n Add (repeat the last few words of the comment and ask for more.)

 

i.e. “…the webinar technology? (tag) Can you expand on that?”(add)

 


Question #6:

How do I handle strong personalities or quiet ones?

Answer:

To Focus the Talkative person:

Step in and summarize, “So if I’ve got this correctly…”

Help edit: “I hear a couple of things; which is most important?”

  • (State their name) then thank for their comments.
  • Directly reference the time and the agenda.
  • Ask the group for help – i.e. “Are we on track here?”

 

To Keep Strong Personalities on Task:

  • Keep your eyes on the entire group; watch for their reaction.
  • ”Blame the agenda!” i.e. “We need to move on.”
  • Suggest when it is time for an unrelated idea go to in the “Parking Lot”

(State that it will get addressed later.)

  • Summarize what you hear so far.
  • Re-frame to get back on track on the agenda,

 

i.e. “so, let’s look at the three criteria again.”

 

To Encourage the Quiet person – get specific:

  • Would you give us an example?
  • Your perspective is important, and…
  • What else would you add?
  • (State their name), what is your opinion?
  • Can you tell us more about that?

 

Through one on one coaching, Cyndi addresses questions and concerns like those above. She encourages role play practice and discussion in both coaching and facilitating larger groups. These questions are just the beginning.

For more ideas and examples, contact cmaxey@cyndimaxey.com