Making Group Work Easy: The Art of Successful Facilitation

(Paperback)

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This book teaches a process that will help both teachers and administrators plan for and conduct meetings that are meaningful, useful, and that generate results. The place to start this work is before the meeting even begins. A careful look at the purposes of the meeting, the working agreements that the group will use, and the agenda will provide the framework for a successful outcome. Once learned, this structure can be used again and again. In addition, you will learn what to do in those cases when decorum breaks down, or you can't reach consensus, or a member of the group is not cooperating. You will also learn decision-making techniques that allow meaningful participation by all members of the group and how to prioritize a number of efforts. The effective structure of meetings along with other techniques to employ when things go wrong will make anyone an effective meeting facilitator!

Reviews

Our sessions with Steve were instrumental in achieving the consensus we needed from the participants. Later, while formulating our action plans, we often referred back to the information gathered during our facilitated sessions. Our work with Steve made it easy to prioritize our challenges and stay focused on the most important issues at hand. -- John Schroll, president, Schroll Cabinets, Inc.
This book fills the needs of novice trainers and facilitators when they need it most. It is an easy read and provides real world insights into the initial struggles of leading training and facilitating a variety of meetings. The strategies presented are ones that work. They warrant review throughout a facilitator's career as they are the kinds of techniques that are useful no matter how much experience one has. Steve has made a valuable contribution to time-honored, authentic work in training and facilitation. -- Helen Ryley, vice president, Educational Programs, Benchmark One, Inc.
Steve Schiola has written a book for leaders and aspiring leaders that can make a significant difference in their effectiveness. Steve has worked in this discipline for years, he has been a student of best practices and is a master facilitator. His book is a compilation of the most effective strategies and techniques based on his research and experience. Readers will learn the fundamentals and progress to understanding the 'art' of effective facilitation that can be applied to even the most complex and conflict ridden issues. The skills of effective mediation, facilitation and conflict resolution are increasingly becoming what can differentiate a great leader from a good one. You will love this book. -- Todd Gamble, director of Human Resources, City of Loveland, Colorado

Author Bio

Steven A. Schiola worked for thirty years as an elementary teacher, elementary principal, and staff development coordinator in Colorado schools. He recently retired from public education and founded Open Road Consulting LLC. Learn more at www.openroadllc.com