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If the art of facilitation eludes you, Guillermo Herbozo can help you improve your skills with this article that identifies how a great facilitator operates. 

In the context of a huddle, there are several things great facilitators do. As a reminder, we define a huddle as a short, recurring training session that is focused on building skills, one well-defined topic at a time. These sessions are led by team leaders (e.g., supervisors) and have a limited number of participants. For more about huddles and how to make them strong read this post.

The topic of facilitation warrants a book (or more). You will notice that some of the basics are not included here (e.g., look at participants eyes, move deliberately). Our goal is to share what we believe are game changers in facilitation of huddles and not to be exhaustive about what you should do when facilitating one.

Also, team leaders need to do three things[1] prior to the start of huddles. Results will be curtailed without them.

Have the team’s trust

Have a clear vision for the team (and have shared it with the team)

Be prepared (50% of the success of the huddle happens before the huddle)

Now, let’s dive in: What are nine things great huddle facilitators do well?

1. Set expectations

Let all participants know, at the start of the huddle what the expectations are. This includes a brief discussion of the agenda for the huddle, what they can expect from you and what you expect from them. It will make the conversation more open and direct

If you set an expectation, support your team by keeping them accountable

2. Engage your audience

Know participants’ names and use them throughout the huddle. It will encourage active engagement

Ensure all participate. Learning skyrockets when participants think things through, vocalize their thoughts and practice skills. Think about how much you learned in those classes, back in school, where you just sat without participating.

Key points include:

• Accounting for different learning styles
• Creative engagement
• Humility and authenticity

Read the full article, Nine things great facilitators do well, on LinkedIn.