As facilitators, the concept of virtual facilitation becoming the new norm is not unfamiliar. Yet, some clients remain hesitant, expressing reservations about the perceived challenges of gauging group engagement and ensuring the effective implementation of meeting outcomes.
Recently, I came across articles suggesting that with the return of face-to-face events, virtual facilitation would fade away. Is this really the case? When discussing facilitation, I refer to both content facilitation for experiential learning and process facilitation supporting group wisdom for problem-solving.
My Journey with Virtual Facilitation:
In 2020, amid the onset of the COVID pandemic, I encountered virtual facilitation. Working in technical support during those early days provided invaluable insights into utilizing platforms like Zoom, WebEx, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet. This exposure not only enhanced my technical proficiency but also underscored the importance of neutrality in process facilitation.
Cutting to the chase, the dots connected for me. Technical support, coupled with my role as a process facilitator, allowed me to focus solely on the process rather than content. This dual perspective led to my successful certification assessment with the International Association of Facilitators (IAF). Virtual facilitation compelled me to reconsider our relationship with the world, broadening my perspectives. In 2021, being part of the IAF Virtual Summit committee was a turning point. It demonstrated the power of virtual facilitation, proving that nothing could hinder people from connecting and seeking a sense of belonging.
Virtual facilitation is not dying; it has become a valuable legacy from COVID, offering us another option in our facilitation toolkit.
The Advantages of Virtual Facilitation:
Firstly, virtual facilitation has opened up numerous opportunities. It has allowed me to collaborate with facilitators worldwide and receive more job requests from global corporations seeking change.
Secondly, from a business perspective, virtual facilitation offers a high return on investment (ROI). The convenience of joining virtual meetings and events saves both time and costs associated with travel. Additionally, it connects people across various time zones, fostering diversity. Collaboration platforms like Miro and Mural simplify the management of thoughts and ideas, offering more efficiency than traditional face-to-face meetings.
Lastly, the availability of numerous virtual tools, with a trend toward functional integration, provides comprehensive solutions. Platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams now offer features beyond video meetings, including whiteboards, collaborative tools, timers, and polls.
Of course, every coin has two sides. Let's explore some of the challenges of virtual facilitation.
Firstly, preparation is paramount. Approximately 60% of your time and energy may be spent on preparation for virtual facilitation, especially for hybrid sessions. Facilitators must work proactively with clients to ensure their teams are ready for the virtual experience, addressing potential unspoken concerns and conflicts.
Secondly, technical preparation is crucial to reduce participant resistance. Facilitators must guide participants to understand virtual spaces and tools well before the workshop to minimize resistance. Technical check-ins not only ensure a smooth virtual experience but also build relationships with participants.
Thirdly, unexpected surprises, such as background noises and distractions, are part of virtual facilitation. Facilitators must design processes that keep participants engaged and focused on what matters most to them. Embracing certain confusion and anxiety allows participants to explore and learn from others.
Finally, the most significant challenges often come from facilitators themselves. Reflecting on uncomfortable situations in virtual facilitation, facilitators must ask crucial questions to guide their mindset, skills, and relationship with this evolving facet of their practice.
Try these questions:
Navigating Resistance to Virtual Facilitation:When clients resist virtual facilitation, what are their primary concerns?How can we support and collaborate with them to explore new opportunities? What innovative approaches can we introduce to address their concerns?
Curiosity and Adaptability in a Virtual World:In a world where each of us holds a unique piece of the puzzle, what fosters our curiosity to learn more? What mindset empowers us to embrace uncertainties in the virtual realm? Which skill sets enhance our comfort and confidence in navigating this digital landscape?
Our Relationship with Virtual Facilitation:Considering virtual facilitation as one aspect of our facilitation ecosystem, how do we define our relationship with this domain? What could be a turning point for us to explore alternative approaches? In what ways can we boldly step into the new possibilities of the virtual world?
The Trusts in Facilitation:Reflecting on "trust the process, trust the group, and trust ourselves," what element do we primarily trust? Is our trust rooted in understanding human nature, group dynamics, or the intricacies of space, time, and power relationships?
Facilitators' Core Values and Impact:As facilitators aspiring to bring positive change, what does "positive change" mean to us and to our clients? What core beliefs drive our commitment to serving clients, and how do these beliefs align with the values our clients perceive in us?
As I reflect on my years-long journey, I feel proud and fortunate to have embraced virtual facilitation. Whether in physical or virtual spaces, I've witnessed powerful moments of transformation—sparkles in participants' eyes, empowerment within groups, and celebrations emerging from dark times. What matters most is not where facilitation happens but who we work with.
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