The EGF course provides an in-depth introduction to the practices of group facilitation, a practice as important today as management was at the beginning of the 20th century.
As individuals and as organisations we are being called more and more to mobilise people and groups. Within our organisations we increasingly work in diverse teams that challenge us to work differently to be effective and successful. Outside of our organisations we are called upon to work in partnerships — across governments, civil society and the business communities, in groups that are culturally diverse in previously unimaginable ways. Beyond partnerships we find ourselves working in networks, bringing together individuals from multiple organisations to tackle industry (i.e. agriculture) or issue (i.e. poverty or homelessness) specific challenges.
EGF is for anyone who finds themselves responsible for mobilising and supporting groups.
The course consists of six modules:
Introduction to facilitation; Defines facilitation, its relationship to management and the distinction between hosting and chairing groups.
Decision-making; Explores how groups make decisions and practical ways for supporting a group in making sustainable decisions
Power dynamics; We explore the nature of power within groups and tools for working with and transcending destructive power-dynamics
Conflict; Explores the notion of conflict as a source of forward movement within groups
Working with purpose; What values animate both individuals and groups? this modules focuses on motivations and alignment between individuals, the group and wider organizational systems
Learning; Within complex systems, learning is the key to effectiveness. we explore practical tools for personal and group learning
WHY FACILITATION?
What does it mean to work in a team? What distinguishes good teams from bad teams? How does a group become a team? How do good teams make decisions? How do good teams deal with challenges?
Facilitation is the art of supporting a group to effectively meet its objectives and fulfil its goals. While traditional businesses focus on developing management skills, contemporary contexts demand much more than classic command and control structures and modes. Facilitation can be thought of as the practice of supporting groups to become teams and get from A to B, to undertake complex tasks and succeed at their undertaking no matter how complex or difficult.
Effective Group Facilitation is designed not simply to build participant’s capacity in supporting groups but in actively catalyzing the huge potential of teams to address challenges and problems, to unlock the genius of the group.
WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?
Facilitators seeking to refine and reflect on practice
Managers who want to achieve better results with their teams
Anyone who wants sustainable and meaningful results from teamwork
Professionals seeking to learn some of the core ideas and techniques of facilitation
Individuals seeking professional or personal development around their own practice and learning
Organisations seeking to bring facilitation into their organisations to achieve better results and impact
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TAKING THIS COURSE?
Gain hands-on experience of facilitation
Come away with tools and techniques you can use in your working environment
Gain a deeper understanding of core concepts of conflict resolution, working with large groups, working with diversity and decision-making
Gain a peer-support group to help your learning and professional development after the course
Gain confidence, deeper understanding, courage and creativity to apply to your own practice
An opportunity to reflect and focus on your own purpose and what you are passionate about within your work
Advice and support gaining facilitation work in various fields
Form lasting professional and personal relationships
