Good questions are those that do more than just ask about the content being discussed. Good questions focus on drawing out the experiences and knowledge of the group and how the material relates to them. For example, instead of asking “Did you complete your canvas?” ask instead, “What did you learn in completing your canvas?” [...]
This is the only time that is helpful to really teach the bolded concepts. You don’t need to read every word of every section but make sure you explain the concepts of each section and follow the activities. It is important to use the case studies. If you follow the case studies verbatim and [...]
Here’s one of the best tips we learned from another facilitator. Simply state “Excuse me, I see you two are passionate about this topic but as facilitator I have a responsibility to the group to make sure we get through the material. Can you both take the conversation to the chat or put it on [...]
That depends. If you are having really positive discussion on a topic that gets to exploring something that is important to the cohort, then that's time well spent. If conversations get commandeered by a couple of participants who are the only ones benefiting from the conversation, ask them to move the discussion to break time [...]
The best way to work with participants that are excited to share is to find them a way to have an active role. Perhaps ask them to help manage the chat during a virtual delivery. Or if in person, make them responsible for the customer count chart. When opening up topics for discussion, address the [...]
One of the best things about each cohort is the diversity of participants in backgrounds, experience, skill sets and even personalities. We believe everyone brings value to the cohort experience. A facilitator’s responsibility is to consciously work to invite engagement from all participants even those who shy away from group participation. One of the most [...]
This is a great question. From the very start during Session 1, offer some suggestions as to how to frame comments and suggestions to make them helpful to others. Here are some suggested ways to do that: From my experience, __________. I have found that ___________. One Idea I will share is __________________. I tried [...]
It is important for the cohort to have a level of trust with one another. However, some may be more sensitive to protecting their idea. We believe it is possible to share a wider perspective on the idea rather than the idea itself. For example, perhaps some one has developed a new energy drink that [...]
Be transparent and accessible to others Be open and honest Be respectful Ask questions Provide answers to others Provide encouragement Honor confidentiality and each others privacy Honor each other’s ideas Provide suggestions not hard advice
As frustrating as it is, facilitators are not responsible for making sure each participant completes the fieldwork. Each week, discussions and activities are built upon material discussed in the prior session so it is important that participants do the fieldwork. The fieldwork allows them to apply what the new concepts to their own business or [...]