Topic

Facilitation

Training courses and articles on facilitation: guiding meetings and groups so that everyone truly participates.

A good facilitator ensures that a group gets done what it comes together for. This turns a meeting or workshop into a conversation in which everyone participates.\nOn this page, you will find training courses, tools and articles from The House of Coaching about facilitation, including our book Facilitation is a game!.

13 articles

  • How do you make your meetings more energetic?

    How do you make your meetings more energetic? Do you notice that meetings often drain your energy instead of giving you energy? That your real talents and...

    How do you make your meetings more energetic?

    Do you notice that meetings often drain your energy instead of giving you energy? That your real talents and ideas often remain unused? And how many projects, which were basically good ideas, do you see fail... due to a lack of collaboration, frustration or a lack of clarity? You are not alone; a great many teams struggle with dull meetings, faltering collaboration and a growing pile of missed opportunities.

    And this is while most organisations want to work like a well-oiled machine, want to innovate and want to grow. Even more so; people would very much like to contribute, offer added value and deliver engaging and meaningful work.

    3 min read
  • The difference between coaching and facilitating.

    You are in a meeting again, or no wait, yet another team meeting... You have prepared a tight agenda and you are ready to lead the troops through the maze...

    You are in a meeting again, or no wait, yet another team meeting... You have prepared a tight agenda and you are ready to lead the troops through the maze of action points. While you hope for a meeting where everyone contributes constructively, you notice that the energy is gone... A few colleagues dominate the conversation, the usual suspects. The rest look absent or secretly try to answer their emails... For twenty minutes you listen to the same mediocre ideas from the same two people who are always arguing.

    You know this is the moment to intervene. But how?

    5 min read
  • From unrest to collaboration

    It was going to be a two-day event where everything was at stake. The CEO was determined: "I want us to do more than just talk. We need concrete output...

    It was going to be a two-day event where everything was at stake.

    The CEO was determined: "I want us to do more than just talk. We need concrete output, an action plan that gives us direction for the coming years." Her concern was clearly palpable.

    Her goal? To develop a shared vision for 2025, and to ensure that the management team presented a united front. Her challenge? The team consisted partly of new members, there were sensitive themes at play and there were a few critical minds questioning the course of the organisation.

    3 min read
  • This meeting could have been an email...

    During the break of the 'Future Thinking' training I facilitated yesterday, Katrien said she saw little chance to put what she learned into practice...

    During the break of the 'Future Thinking' training I facilitated yesterday, Katrien said she saw little chance to put what she learned into practice, because she constantly spent her time in meetings. And that those meetings were not only time-consuming, but simply a waste of time. Often she was just listening to topics that did not concern her at all. Nice to know, but not useful in the slightest...

    When she asked me what she could do about this, I could reassure her: "You can really count yourself lucky, because you are not the only one in the world in that situation at all!"

    4 min read
  • Pull the plug on PowerPoint

    In the world of training and development there is a silent truth that is rarely spoken out loud: PowerPoint, that faithful companion of every...

    Unplug PowerPoint

    In the world of training and development there is a silent truth that is rarely spoken out loud: PowerPoint, that faithful companion of every presenter, is not always the hero we think it is.

    PowerPoint is Slowerpoint!

    Imagine this: the lights dim, the projector hums to life, and there appears the first of many slides. As the trainer navigates through the points and charts, and his passion fades, a slumbering trance is cast over the group. The uncertainty of the trainer turns into a monotonous cadence of clicking and reading. It can easily turn an energetic group dynamic into a passive, almost hypnotic state. Where is the room for a lively discussion or the sharing of personal insights? Hidden, perhaps forever, behind the gloss of streamlined bullet points and animated transitions.

    2 min read
  • The House of Coaching launches 3 books

    You are active in the world of coaching, sales, leadership, personal development... Then there are three new books you should not miss. These…

    You are active in the world of coaching, sales, leadership, personal development... Then there are three new books you should not miss. These publications, which are currently being finalised, are written by experts in their field. The books offer unique perspectives and valuable insights that will enrich your skills and knowledge.

    “Beyond Words” by Hans Demeyer (ENG)

    Are you the professional who wants to take your sales skills to a higher level? Then “Beyond Words” by Hans Demeyer is an essential addition to your bookshelf. This book dives into the world of effective conversation techniques, based on NLP, and offers strategies to optimise your communication in sales conversations. You will find a wealth of practical tips and profound insights here that will transform your way of selling. Via the link at the bottom (and after registration) you can talk to the book and ask questions in your own language. An incredibly fascinating experience!

    2 min read
  • Leaving the table

    “Have the courage to leave the table when respect leaves the room” Imagine you are sitting in a restaurant, waiting for your order, but the waiter walks past you time...

    “Have the courage to leave the table when respect leaves the room”

    Imagine you are sitting in a restaurant, waiting for your order, but the waiter walks past you time and time again. You try to get attention, but it seems as if you are invisible. This scenario is not only frustrating in a restaurant, but also a striking metaphor for situations in life where respect is lacking. It is a sign that it might be time to leave the table.

    The first indicator that it is time to get up is when you notice that you are not being heard. You share your thoughts and ideas, but it is as if you are talking to a brick wall. In a team meeting, for example, where your input is consistently ignored, it is just like sitting in that restaurant where the waiter does not even give you a glance.

    2 min read
  • Facilitation is a game

    We have all been there at some point: we were sitting in a meeting room, looking at the clock and waiting for the session to be over. The leader of the...

    Facilitating is a game

    We have all been there at some point: we were sitting in a meeting room, looking at the clock and waiting for the session to be over. The meeting leader is doing their best, but the energy is low and the participation even lower. Unfortunately, that is a common scenario in many organisations, where meetings become a routine instead of an opportunity for collaboration and innovation.

    The cost of ineffective meetings

    The consequences of ineffective meetings are more than just boredom. They include wasted time, undiscovered ideas and untapped potential. If participants are not involved, the collective intelligence of the group remains underused. This not only affects the direct results of the meeting, but also has consequences for the morale and productivity of the team.

    2 min read
  • The power of Mastermind: Smarter and More Successful Together

    What is a Mastermind group? A Mastermind group is a team of people inside or outside an organisation, who temporarily work together to help each other…

    What is a Mastermind group?

    A Mastermind group is a team of people inside or outside an organisation, who temporarily work together to help each other grow, both personally and professionally. A Mastermind group is a temporary group of up to 1 year. The idea comes from Napoleon Hill, a writer who introduced the concept in his 1937 book "Think And Grow Rich". According to Hill, the power of a Mastermind Group is not one individual, but the combined intelligence of all members. It is a place where 1 + 1 equals 3, thanks to the 'third mind' that is created when people work together.

    2 min read
  • The SCORE makes problem solving easy

    Imagine: it is a typical working day and you are faced with a challenging problem. Your first reaction might be to ask your boss for help...

    Imagine: it is a typical working day and you are faced with a challenging problem. Your first reaction might be to ask your boss for help. But what if you try to find a solution yourself first? How do you make the best use of the resources you have? Problem solving ability is crucial for success in every role and at every level. It is also one of the skills most sought after by managers.

    Problem solving in the 21st century

    In today's dynamic world, problem solving is an essential skill. Companies face unprecedented challenges and the need for effective problem solvers is greater than ever. Technological progress, globalisation and constant market changes require a new approach to problem solving. It is not just about finding a solution, but about understanding the problem and developing a strategy that fits the unique situation of each company.

    3 min read
  • Looking for your favourite materials as a Visual Practitioner

    If it can be done online As a visual practitioner, whether as a coach, trainer or facilitator, it is important to have the right tools to...

    If it can be done online

    As a visual practitioner, whether as a coach, trainer or facilitator, it is important to have the right tools to practise and improve your skills. One of the best places to find these tools is Neuland, a German company known for its quality, fast delivery and extensive range of products you need as a Visual Practitioner. It is not without reason that Neuland is often described as the Disneyland for visual practitioners.

    Neuland offers an extensive selection of markers in different thicknesses and for different applications. But that is only a small part of their professional range for training, coaching and facilitation. They have a strong brand identity, with a focus on supporting your perfect work.

    3 min read
  • Play this game for successful meetings

    Imagine that facilitating meetings feels like playing an engaging and challenging game. A game in which every participant plays a...

    Imagine that facilitating meetings feels like playing an engaging and challenging game. A game in which every participant plays an important role, where creativity and collaboration are the ball, and where rules ensure a structured and enjoyable experience. In this game of facilitation lie the keys to effective and successful meetings. Let us discover together why the game as a metaphor is such a powerful tool to tackle the challenges of facilitation.

    The Players

    You are a player, an important link in the success of every meeting. But you are not alone! Every participant is a valuable player, with unique talents and perspectives. Witness the power of collective intelligence when every player contributes to the game of ideas, solutions and creative breakthroughs.

    4 min read
  • Learn to facilitate! The key to successful meetings.

    We have all been there. A meeting where nobody seems to know what needs to happen. Everyone looks at their watch and waits until…

    We have all been there. A meeting where nobody seems to know what needs to happen. Everyone looks at their watch and waits until it is finally over. But what if I tell you that there is a way to prevent this? Facilitation techniques!

    Facilitation techniques are a set of skills and techniques used to help groups of people achieve their goals. With these techniques, you create an environment where everyone can actively participate in the process. And the best part of all? They are easy to use and even fun!

    Let us look at some popular facilitation techniques:

    2 min read

Pages

  • Certified Experiential Learning Facilitator

    Use the power of facilitation. Are you passionate about guiding groups to success? Do you love creating dynamic and productive…

  • Collaborating in Hybrid & Remote Environments

    Improve your online and hybrid work and wellbeing. Do you work from home or in hybrid work environments? You have learned to work with the new technologies that...

  • Facilitation

    Let people work together. Do you sometimes feel exhausted after a meeting? Do meetings seem to last endlessly? Do you sometimes feel you are not really relevant to...

  • Facilitation is a game!

    Discover the art of connecting and transform the way you work, lead and collaborate in "Facilitation is a game!" by Steff Vanhaverbeke and Karl…

  • Leading meetings and workshops effectively

    Lead meetings with impact, workshops with results. Leading a group, addressing people and facilitating meetings or workshops...

  • Online & hybrid facilitation

    Learn to collaborate online. Do you sometimes feel exhausted after an online meeting? Does your day seem filled with back-to-back meetings without real output? Is the...

  • Spelbrekers

    You work with people in a team, a family, an association or a project. As an active member of your team, you like to make your contribution. Yet you notice that...