Three facilitator approach

List of methods / Facilitation

This method is designed to reduce or prevent bias or influence by the facilitator, and might be applied in highly charged environments when reflection and objectivity are critical. As implied by the name it needs three facilitators who we will name using the greek characters 𝜶,𝜷 and 𝜸.

Approach and steps

The process takes the following stages:

1. F𝜶 takes the lead role, observed by F𝜷 and F𝜸 leaves the room but stays nearby
2. The minute F𝜷 feels that F𝜶 is exercising any influence over the group they write down the reason (without any name) on a hexi which is placed on a learning wall and they then stand up.
3. F𝜶 now has to wrap up in less than a minute and hand over the F𝜷 who now takes the lead
4. F𝜶 leaves the room and sends in F𝜸 who now monitors F𝜷

The process then repeats throughout the workshop period.

After the workshop is complete the learning hexis are clustered and discussed between the three and possibly the group as a whole

Key aspects of this approach

• The observer is fully aware of the instructions and acts of the lead and can therefore take over
• The third actor is unaware and therefore comes in with no knowledge of what has come before
• The lead actor cannot challenge the removal, they have to accept and learn from the experience. It may have been wrong, it was almost certainly unfair but it is as it is
• The group have to take more responsibility for their actions and self-manage
• You should not be suprised to be taken out after a few minutes, an average length is around fifteen to twenty minutes