The Secrets of Facilitation delivers a clear vision of facilitation excellence and reveals the specific techniques effective facilitators use to produce consistent, repeatable results with groups. Author Michael Wilkinson has trained thousands of managers, mediators, analysts, and consultants around the world to apply the power of SMART (Structured Meeting And Relating Techniques) facilitation to achieve amazing results with teams and task forces. He shows how anyone can use these proven group techniques in conflict resolution, consulting, managing, presenting, teaching, planning, selling, and other professional as well as personal situations.
"The best book on collaboration ever written!" —Diane Flannery, founding CEO, Juma Ventures And now this classic book is even better—much better. Completely revised and updated, the second edition is loaded with new tools and techniques. Two powerful new chapters on agenda design A full section devoted to reaching closure More than twice as many tools for handling difficult dynamics 70 brand-new pages and over 100 pages significantly improved
World renowned facilitation, group and meetings dynamics guru explains how to run great meetings. Dr Dale Hunter's classic guide includes all the latest findings and research on facilitation. Written by an international expert, it's the go-to sourcebook for people involved in human resources, management, mediation, team leadership, performance management and individual and team coaching. If you're someone who is responsible for effective group and inter-personal dynamics, this is the Bible. "Interpersonal dynamics can unravel the best of managerial intentions. Worse still, a little knowledge in untrained hands can lead to managers manufacturing consent and manipulating people to agree to management goals. Hunter’s book is a sobering reminder of how many managers, directors and business leaders are stumbling about in the dark with very few skills when it comes to unlocking individual and group potential. ... The Art of Facilitation will sit comfortably on the bookshelf of anyone wanting to learn more about harnessing group energy to attain a common goal." Ruth le Pla, Management Magazine, May 2007
A diverse international set of authors discuss Artificial/Computational Sapience and Sapient Systems in this unique and useful volume. The reader is guided through the subject in a structured and comprehensive manner that begins with chapters discussing philosophical, historical, and semiotic ideas about what properties are expected from Sapient (Wise) systems. Following that, chapters describe mathematical and engineering views on sapience, relating these to philosophical, semiotic, cognitive, and neuro-biological perspectives.
The revised edition of this facilitation classic offers a wealth of targeted techniques for facilitators who seek effective, consistent, and repeatable results. Based on Michael Wilkinson's proven SMART (Structured Meeting And Relating Techniques) approach, The Secrets of Facilitation can help to achieve stellar results when managing, presenting, teaching, planning, and selling, as well as other professional and personal situations. This expanded edition includes new chapters on facilitating virtual meetings, cross-cultural teams, and large groups and conferences. It also provides a series of strategies for engaging teams, additional information about making meetings more productive, and further guidance on preventing dysfunctional behavior. In addition, the book contains a wealth of fresh case studies and an ancillary website with must-have tools and techniques for both the beginner and the seasoned facilitator. Praise for the First Edition of The Secrets of Facilitation "One of the single most powerful processes is the ability to successfully lead a group to an impactful, actionable outcome. In The Secrets of Facilitation, beginning and experienced facilitators alike will find tools to take their results to the next level." —Jim Canfield, chief learning officer, TEC International "This book shares 'The Secrets' that have been the basis of my facilitation practice for over a decade." —Kerri McBride, past chair, International Association of Facilitators "In my career, I've seen many, many facilitators. Michael Wilkinson is the best. 'The Secrets' explain why." —Len Roberts, CEO, RadioShack "We have trained over 100 leaders and business analysts in 'The Secrets.' Great facilitation works." —Peter Scott, executive general manager, MLC–National Australia Bank "At last there is a practical, hands-on guide for anyone who works with groups or teams. This book delivers!" —Ann Herrmann-Nehdi, CEO, Herrmann International, Herrmann Brain Dominance Indicator
There is a growing body of interesting research exploring the social shaping of mobile phones, covering a wide range of topics, from new forms of communication, to the changes in time organization, the uses of public places, the display of emotions and the formation and sustaining of communities. This book evaluates the launch and adoption of mobile phones, drawing out lessons for the future. In particular, it explores how social scientists can collaborate with designers and engineers in the development of new devices and uses. It will interest people from both industry and academia. Those working in the mobile communications industry in strategy, design and marketing will find this book of particular interest. In academia, undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as researchers in a wide range of social science fields will find it a useful reference: sociologists, economists, psychologists in areas such as Science and Technology studies; Cultural studies and New Media studies.
What takes place in the head and heart of an effective facilitative leader? How do they find the inner resources to draw upon? What is the source of their powerful effect on people and situations? The 9 Disciplines of a Facilitator examines these questions and explores the self-mastery it takes to become a great facilitator. Written by Jon and Maureen Jenkins, two of the long-term members of the International Association of Facilitators (IAF), this much-needed resource explains that facilitation is more than a process or a set of techniques for managing groups—facilitation is its own profession with its own set of disciplines that help define the facilitator's role. Throughout the book the authors detail the nine personal disciplines of effective facilitators: Detachment, Engagement, Focus, Awareness, Action, Presence, Interior Council, Intentionality, and a Sense of Wonder.
Workplace violence in all its forms is becoming more prevalent and pervasive every year. Workplace Violence: Planning for Prevention and Response gives a comprehensive account of the problem using a multi-faceted approach to the issues surrounding workplace violence incidents, addressing how the topic affects victims, witnesses, the workforce, family members, and management. A series of chapters helps organizations to form action and response plans to manage incidents both large and small. The focus also includes organizations that are forced to address violent individuals in settings where law enforcement may not be immediately available. Kerr speaks first-hand about complex issues like corporate liability for violent or threatening acts committed by employees, as well as issues of privacy, and he includes chapters written by experts on legal issues, cyberthreats, and anger in the workplace. This book belongs on the desk of every security manager and HR professional, and offers solid advice to all managers regardless of the size of their organization. - Details the problem from all angles to help the reader design a comprehensive strategy for all constituent groups - Provides proven, detailed support for creating policies and procedures, awareness, and response training - Discuses real-life case studies to help readers understand how to apply strategies discussed in the book
Sponsored by the International Association of Facilitators, The IAF Handbook of Group Facilitation offers the need-to-know basics in the field brought together by fifty leading practitioners and scholars. This indispensable resource includes successful strategies and methods, foundations, and resources for anyone who works with groups. The IAF Handbook of Group Facilitation provides an overview of the field for new and aspiring practitioners and a reliable reference for experienced group facilitators, including chapters on Creating positive ongoing client relationships Building trust and improving communications Facilitating group brainstorming sessions Drawing out the best in people Developing a collaborative environment Designing and facilitating dialogue Managing conflicting agendas Working with multicultural groups Using improvisation Understanding virtual meetings Facilitating team start-up Assessing group decision processes Building expertise in facilitation Reviewing core facilitation competencies Modeling positive professional attitudes
