Facilitator [fuh-sil-i-tey-ter] – Our #1 role as a leader.
- A facilitator/leader is on the same team.
- A facilitator/leader is not an adversary.
- A facilitator/leader wins when the activity is completed successfully.
- A facilitator/leader loses when the activity is not completed successfully.
- A facilitator/leader causes the successful completion of multiple activities simultaneously.
As a facilitator/leader we don’t think about throwing anyone in the deep end. Nowhere in there do we use the words sink or swim.
We are not testing people. We are facilitating success.
Think about that for a moment. Do you see the distinction?
We use the New Leadership Normal Hub technology to conduct leadership development throughout organizations.
The quick explanation is that internal teams access our video leadership lessons and the small teams are coached by an internal colleague on how to implement the lesson in their environment. I work with these internal coaches to help them do their thing.
They’re nervous about it. It’s a challenge and an opportunity for them. If they aren’t effective their peers and bosses will know.
I spend a great deal of time with them with a single message, reinforced repeatedly:
I want you to be successful.
I will do anything necessary to help you be comfortable and nail this challenge.
We make it comfortable for them to be vulnerable. We let them tell us what they need. We support them however necessary – experiential learning, additional written materials, practice sessions, simulating difficult participants – whatever they need.
As a leader of this group of coaches I fail if they fail. It’s a partnership. I work hard to help them understand and feel that partnership. By the way, if they are successful it’s simply what we expected. They get to take the credit.
A couple things to think about:
Intention – The intention drives our behavior. Are you evaluating someone or are you trying to get something done and be successful? Both parties should understand. If it’s the former then they shouldn’t be asking questions or seeking your help and advice. If it’s the latter then you’re in it together. No pressure. Very different.
Your Responsibilities – What walls do you need to knock down so they are successful with the activity? What relationships do you need to engage to make the path easier? You play a part.
Customizing – Everyone is different. If I’m dealing with 100 coaches like in my example, I have to understand where each one is and what needs to be done for each.
Monitoring – Identify the touch points that will allow you to be in the right place to help and support at the right time.
To do this week: Evaluate each of the assignments you have out right now. What can you do to help push/pull/facilitate people to the finish line for a win?
Let me know how it’s going. Click the “comments” box below to participate in an on-going discussion via LinkedIn.
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