< We Facilitate Together >

KEYWORDS: I noticed, I suggest, we seem, we are, we forgot, unable, let's, get, give

Examples:

• Interrupting: I noticed that Jane keeps getting interrupted.
• Interrupting: Let's let Jane finish what she was saying.
• Interrupting: I noticed that Jane keeps getting interrupted. I suggest we give her time to speak.
• Off topic: We seem to have gotten off the topic.
• Off topic: I think we are getting a bit off the subject.
• Off topic: Can we come back to our original topic?
• Late: I noticed this is the third time we have started our meeting late.
• Late: How can we make sure we start on time?
• Late: Kate, I've noticed you've been late several times. Is there anything we can do to help you make the meetings on time?
• Forgot: I noticed that we forgot to assign someone...
• Disagree: We seem to be unable to agree on this point.
• Disagree: Here's a suggestion, let's list the points we do agree on before we discuss what we don't agree on.

1. Define
2. Notice and Suggest
3. Avoid Blame
4. Speak in Private

Define

• Facilitators are like referees on a baseball team.
• They ensure that the team works:
• fairly,
• organized,
• and with respect.
• Most work teams do not have independent referees,
• so facitating is the responsibility of each team member.

Notice and Suggest

Noticing Stmts: (Use WE to guide the group)

• I noticed that...
• We seem to...
• Have you noticed?
• It seems that we...
• We are..

Suggesting Stmts:

• I suggest we...
• Here's a suggestion
• Can we talk about?
• How about?
• What do you think about the idea of...

Avoid Blame

Speak in Private

Ref: Book: 'Teambuilding & Problem Solving in the Workplace' by Dan Farley and Cindy Donaldson
www.workskills.net

By Patricia Bolander

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