Facilitation

The word facilitation derives from the Latin word facilis , meaning ˜to make easy . So in facilitating the coaching process you are making it as easy as possible for the coachee to develop.

Within an interaction with another person, the facilitator needs to be aware of what is happening at different levels, usually expressed as:

Figure 13.3: Different levels of an interaction

TASK “ is the subject of the coaching “ the reason for you and the coachee being together.

PROCESS “ is how something is happening; this is the actual coaching process. The coach will need to listen and observe carefully , being aware of the processes and their impact.

PEOPLE “ is the coach and coachee relationship. You may also need to think about relationships with third parties, either stakeholders or other people involved in the task. As the coach, you have the prime responsibility for facilitating the relationship to ensure that the task and process take place.

As a facilitator, you will need to work on all three levels at any one time to ensure that your work with the coachee is effective and productive.

An effective facilitator:

• keeps focused on the task;

• follows the process;

• uses listening, observing and questioning skills at appropriate times;

• challenges perceptions and ideas in a supportive manner;

• maintains objectivity;

• helps others identify options;

• builds useful relationships that work;

• helps draw conclusions about the way forward.

A facilitator basically draws out more than he or she puts in; this means helping the other person access their full potential in the coaching subject area.