In the corporate sector, some businesses are seeing a boom while the rest failing to create a positive impact on the target audience. Have you ever wondered what could be the reason behind this difference? According to industry experts, the primary reason can be attributed to corporate facilitation retreats.
What is Corporate Facilitation?
It offers the perfect opportunity to meet, discuss, and debate about various business-related issues in an informal setting away from the office premises. This kind of meeting provides room for increased interaction amongst the executives and the higher management to take crucial decisions for ultimate business growth and success.
Difference between a Facilitator and the Person Chairing a Meeting
The basic difference lies in the fact that a facilitator guides people throughout a program. He is not the seat of wisdom. He is there not to give his opinions but to draw them out from people participating in the meeting. He also records the outputs of all discussions. Facilitators keep an eye on how moves of those in the meeting - how everything is planned and executed plus behavior of members and encourage higher interaction amongst the group. A facilitator is a neutral figure and does not take anybody's side.
The Different Phases
- Effective planning.
- Defining the objectives.
- Listing topics to be discussed.
- Taking key decisions.
- Setting your priorities.
- Establishing action plans.
Advantages of Corporate Facilitation
There are a number of advantages of corporate management retreats. Let's discuss them in detail:
Organized Meetings: A well-organized meeting can have a powerful impact on the people and business processes. Professional facilitators are hired by companies to seamlessly plan, execute, and monitor programs in which employees, management, shareholders, vendors, and customers participate.
Effective Group Discussions: Experienced facilitators have always led successful group discussions and facilitated large and small meetings and seminars keeping the participants focused on the topics of discussion.
Greater Interaction: A facilitator ensures there is greater participation in the meetings. He makes arrangements for everyone to speak, ask questions, and share professional and personal experiences to inspire people for increased productivity and trade.
Coaching Skills for Managers: Many facilitation service providers offer coaching classes to managers to sharpen their skills and leadership roles.
Recording the Results: A facilitator's responsibility lies in recording the outputs of management retreats. He or she records the end-result that come out from various discussions by writing on paper or recording online (audio-visual). Before recording, he should ensure all individuals are responsively participating in a meeting or presentation.
Qualities of a Good Facilitator
In order to hold successful corporate forums, a person should have a clear understanding of his responsibilities. He should be organized, have excellent communication skills, should be a good manager, and of course should have leadership qualities. A facilitator should know his job very well - it is important to know when to talk and when to stay silent. The key to proficiency lies in effectively planning, guiding, and implementing the steps to achieve the mission.
Thus, facilitation or group management retreats can indeed be an interesting and rewarding experience for diverse industries. If a meeting is preceded properly, it is going to take the event to a successful conclusion.
Author's Bio
Mark Cohen has been an organizational head for the past twenty years and he well understands the essence of management retreats and corporate facilitation to make companies grow and develop with maximum potential.
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