Why Facilitation Is Really About
Transformation
Effective
facilitators think of meetings differently. Not as events for exchange, but as opportunities
for change.
In this context, transformation
means a clear shift in the group’s shared understanding, direction, or
commitment. It's moving from where they are to where they need to be
next. That might mean turning:
- uncertainty into alignment,
- friction into collaboration,
- stalled intentions into concrete
action.
- a sense of being overlooked into
a feeling of being heard and valued, or
- silent observation into active
contribution.
When you approach
meetings this way, your job as a facilitator becomes clearer: create the
conditions for a needed transformation to happen.
That facilitator’s mindset shift—from “let’s talk” to “let’s move”—will change how you plan and lead every session.
Start with the Destination, Not the
Map
Start with the Destination, Not the
MapWhen I coach new
facilitators, they often start by asking:
- “How do I write a good agenda?”
- “How do I ensure everyone gets
heard?”
- “How do I take better notes?”
Smart questions—but
they’re about tools, not outcomes.
Planning a meeting
around your tools is like planning a trip based only on your favorite roads.
You may stay busy, but you might not arrive at the right destination.
Always begin by
asking, “What change should this meeting create?”
Ask: “What Change Should This Meeting Create?”Before diving into
operational details, ask yourself:
“What transformation
do I want this group to go through?”
Here are a few
examples:
- From disagreement ➜ to alignment
- From confusion ➜ to clarity
- From inertia ➜ to commitment
Once you name the change, the “how to” details fall into place. You’ll be able to choose agenda items, questions, and facilitation tools that support the outcome—not distract from it.
Choose Tools After Defining the GoalAs a child, I used to
do projects with my uncle, who was a carpenter. I would pester him about how we
were going to use all the cool tools in his shop. His answer always was, "First figure out what to build—then pick your tools."
Good life lesson and good advice for facilitation!
Post-it notes, dot
voting, and decision matrices—these are powerful tools. But tools don’t define
purpose. They serve it.
Too often,
facilitators default to a favorite tool. But unless your methods are fit to
purpose, you’ll risk running a smooth session that doesn't help the group
move forward.
Your job isn’t to use
tools—it’s to empower change.
Transformation Drives EngagementPeople invest in
meetings that feel meaningful. They listen harder, contribute more, and show up
differently when there’s a purpose beyond “let’s talk.”
When your
facilitation supports a clear transformation, participants feel that. The session
becomes part of a larger arc—not just another hour of discussion.
What Do You Think?Are facilitators in
the transformation business?
What would change in
your planning process if you started every meeting with the question:
“What transformation
does this group need to make?”
📩 Hit reply and tell me how this
mindset lands with you.
Free Consultation - Just Ask!
I offer free consultations on
conflict, facilitation, difficult meetings, public involvement, online
meetings, and collaboration in general. Schedule an opportunity to talk with me
about your issue. I promise to not trap you into a marketing message. We
will stick to problem-solving on your issue. Click
for Appointment
Contact Us:
Michael Fraidenburg
Olympia, WA, USA.
Email Mike
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