Business facilitation is a technique of designing and running meetings, according to a pre-agreed set of requirements. This service can be provided free of charge or for a fee based on the value it brings to a meeting. There are many benefits of using this type of service, including increased productivity and increased efficiency.
Business Facilitation is the process of designing and running a meeting according to a previously agreed set of requirements
Using the most effective facilitation techniques is essential for a successful meeting. The most effective facilitation techniques include identifying the objectives of the meeting and designing the meeting around them. It is also important to ensure that all the participants are properly prepared for the meeting. Creating a positive atmosphere is key to getting the most out of the meeting.
A facilitator is a skilled professional who guides a meeting toward the desired outcomes by using many methods. Whether it is explaining the agenda or using special tools, the facilitator keeps the meeting on track. They make sure that no one forgets an idea, remind everyone of time, and bring the conversation back on track when it seems to be getting off track.
An effective facilitator has an in-depth understanding of the individual preferences of the participants. By understanding their communication styles, facilitators are better equipped to deal with conflicts and resolve them effectively. To ensure this, they should be aware of various tools and indicators that measure these preferences. It is also important to remember that 80% of the conversations that occur during a meeting are about things that the participants already agreed upon.
The goal of any meeting is to come up with creative and effective decisions. To ensure a successful meeting, the facilitator must clearly define the goals of the meeting and create the conditions that lead to a successful outcome. The facilitator must make sure that everyone is in the right place at the right time, and the proper materials are available.
The process begins with the identification of key stakeholders. This is done through a stakeholder register, which identifies the significant needs and primary expectations of each stakeholder. This is then compared to the business case, which specifies the criteria that need to be achieved.
When planning a meeting, the facilitator should determine the best approach for the particular group. This means that the process should be clear and structured, and it must accommodate the group's natural attention levels. For example, if there are too many participants, the facilitator should adjust the process to ensure that everyone is contributing.
The design of the meeting is also important. The room must be conducive to participation. Often, ice-breakers and get-to-know games can help open up participants. In addition, the room must be arranged in such a way that people can contribute actively. A facilitator should remove barriers to the room and ensure that everyone can see one another.
It is a free service for individuals or business owners
Business facilitation is a free service provided by the city to assist individuals or business owners in the process of building, renovating, and expanding their business. The facilitator guides the business owner through the various city processes and creates a checklist for the business owner to follow.
This service is delivered through a network of local professionals who provide confidential, free, and tailored support to individuals and businesses. The facilitators recognize that the multiplier effect of one passionate entrepreneur is huge and can make a difference in the local economy. When a local business becomes more profitable, more people are employed and the local economy is more stable.
It can be charged based on value
Business facilitation can be charged based on the value that the client receives from the facilitation process. While facilitators typically charge by the hour, they can increase their rates by charging based on the value they add. However, the rates that you charge for your facilitation services should be in line with your costs, since you should make enough to cover your expenses. It is also recommended that you schedule your facilitation work so that you can devote at least six to twelve days a month to clients, which will allow you to devote other time to marketing, preparation, and follow-up. In addition, it is important to attend professional development opportunities to keep your skills and knowledge up to date.
While the idea of charging for facilitation services may sound like a good idea, it is a bad practice that can lead to unethical behavior. Many multinational companies have policies prohibiting employees from receiving such payments. In addition, the practice of making facilitation payments can lead to the expectation that the company will continue making such payments, which can lead to a "slippery slope" situation.
In many countries, such payments are illegal or have ethical objections. The Institute of Business Ethics says that businesses that take their ethics seriously will not tolerate facilitation payments. While some countries have legal and ethical concerns, others allow companies domiciled within their borders to make facilitation payments abroad. As a result, it is difficult to distinguish between facilitation payments and bribes.
In the United States, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act prohibits bribery. However, a facilitation payment is not considered a bribe if it is legal in the recipient's country. The OECD notes that this definition of facilitation payments is flawed.