Facilitation is an art form that requires the ability to navigate through uncertainty, holding space for people to figure things out. It’s about creating a safe environment where individuals can explore their thoughts and ideas freely. Facilitation is not about providing solutions or answers; rather, it’s about asking the right questions to stimulate conversation and thought.
The Cynefin framework, a decision-making tool, can help facilitators navigate through different types of problems. It categorises problems into five domains: simple, complicated, complex, chaotic, and disorder. Each domain requires a different approach. For instance, in the simple domain, the relationship between cause and effect is clear, so the best practice is to sense, categorise, and respond.
In contrast, the complex domain involves many unknowns, making it impossible to predict outcomes accurately. Here, the strategy is to probe, sense, and respond, allowing patterns to emerge over time.
Facilitators must remain flexible, adapting their approach based on the nature of the problem. This involves embracing uncertainty and being comfortable with not having all the answers. Ultimately, the goal of facilitation is to guide individuals towards their own solutions, fostering creativity and innovation.
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