Topics and Offerings

Managing Group Interaction

Learn how to facilitate
Group dynamics affect the overall performance of a group. Topics for this workshop include the use of openers and icebreakers, developing ground rules for facilitation, and assisting a group in staying on track. Information is also provided on stages of group development, paying attention to non-verbal group communication, and working with large groups.
Extension can help facilitate
Group dynamics affect the overall performance of a group. Groups are more effective when they function in environments that are known and safe. Extension educators can design and implement group interaction for your important meetings. We will creatively open the meeting, break the ice, develop ground rules, and assist your group in staying on track Extension's facilitators connect with the sponsor before the meeting in order to understand the context of the meeting, the group's stage of group development and the context of the meeting that will be facilitated.

Learn how to facilitate
Conflicts in a group can come from many sources. The workshop examines those sources of conflict, and provides information on how to facilitate in conflict-laden situations. Conflict frameworks are reviewed so that facilitators have the ability to assess different types and patterns of conflict. Strategies to handle common group problems and manage problem meeting behaviors are included.
Extension can help facilitate
If your group is facing conflict – or has an issue that could create conflict – Extension can help. We’ll assess the meaning behind the conflict and establish a safe meeting environment where decisions can be made despite conflict.

Learn how to facilitate
Facilitators are frequently asked to assist groups in planning an effective agenda or address strategic issues. This workshop provides a framework for assisting a group in developing a shared vision, planning an agenda, creating effective vision and mission statements and documenting meeting results.
Extension can help facilitate
Working to identify a strategic direction? An organizational focus? This may be good time to get outside help. Extension Educators can facilitate groups as they develop a framework for developing a shared vision, plan an agenda, create effective vision and mission statements and document meeting results.

Learn how to facilitate
In order for facilitators to assist groups in making successful decisions through consensus-building processes, it is necessary to understand processes and techniques that can be used. The workshop provides a detailed review of six decision-making strategies (affinity mapping, brainstorming, criterion listing, data dump, envisioning the best/worst case, and nominal group process) and outlines conditions where different approaches might be more successful.
Extension can help facilitate
Extension educators can facilitate groups through a consensus-based decision-making model. First, they will consult with those who bring us to the task, and then will choose the right process for the job (e.g., affinity mapping, brainstorming, criterion listing, data dump, envisioning the best/worst case, and nominal group process). These facilitated meetings can help all members of the group feel better about the decision and the thoughtful consideration that was done by the group.

Learn how to facilitate
Facilitators must be aware of the cultural contexts in which they work. The workshop provides information for facilitators on visible and less visible diversity within groups, and strategies to ensure the group respects differences. Issue of power dynamics, between group members and in the relationship of the group and the facilitator are also addressed in this workshop. Participant ethics, facilitator ethics and the ethics of the situation are part of the workshop content, including ethical expectations and principles for addressing unethical behavior. Practical tools for addressing issues of diversity, ethics and power are included.
Extension can help facilitate
If you have a group that is working in the midst of diversity, and it is important that participants feel an equal sense of power, Extension educators can help. We’ll take time to understand the special dynamics of your group, and will use quality processes to make sure that everyone is heard and feels respected.

Learn how to facilitate
Having a clear sense of the facilitator role is essential for successful facilitation. The workshop provides information on the overall stages and tasks of facilitation, the concept of facilitator neutrality, principles for effective facilitation, ways to clarify the role of the facilitator and tools to assist the facilitator in leading a facilitated change process.
Extension can help facilitate
If your group is asking its members to facilitate, Extension Educators can help them clarify what that role is, and can be a role model for the process. They can then coach the selected facilitators as they take on the task.

Learn how to facilitate
For facilitators, and the people who hire them, matching the right facilitator to the right job is the first ingredient for success. Developing the appropriate context and structure for the meeting is another essential part of successful facilitation. The workshop addresses how to contract and form a facilitation agreement, reviews strategies for meeting logistics and arrangements, and includes practical tools to assist with meeting organization, equipment and materials


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