Facilitation

I help groups and teams - usually at offsites - generate ideas, identify problems and opportunities, and strategize action steps.

The Liberating Structures elements I pay attention to when designing any gathering includes decisions on: how the space is arranged, how participation is distributed, how groups are configured, and what is the sequence of steps and time allocated to answer the question being asked. In doing so, participants can reveal patterns, analyze them, and strategize next steps.

Below are some of my most frequently used group facilitation structures:

Reflect + Reveal Patterns

1-2-4-All: Everyone is engaged simultaneously in generating questions, ideas and opportunities to reflect on patterns that are emerging.

Impromptu Networking: Rapidly share challenges and expectations; build new connections

Analyze

9 Whys: Make the purpose of our work clear

Appreciative Interviews: Discovering and building on the root causes of success

Users Experience Fishbowl: Share know-how gained from experience with a larger community.

Strategize + Plan

TRIZ: Stop counterproductive activities and behaviors to make space for innovation

15% Solutions: Discover and focus on what each person has the freedom and resources to do now.

Kate, Director of Communication and Education

“Sarah hosted several sessions at our leadership summit for nonprofit professionals. I appreciated how thoughtful and creative Sarah is in her approach. She is committed to understanding the deeper purpose of the gathering and designing sessions that meet the needs of the group.”

Strategy Making