Doing some backgrounding is a standard part of a facilitator’s prep process, but finding success is actually more about learning to discern between too much, not enough, and just the right amount of intel. So, what does “just right” look like? That’s exactly what I’m breaking down to help you better focus your energy and let go of expectations that you need to have all the answers.

Want to cultivate a more dynamic, engaged, and successful organization? Who doesn’t! One of the most impactful ways to achieve this goal is to take a more intentional approach to innovation. Learn the benefits of doing so, and three different workshops formats that will jumpstart the process for you team.

Guiding groups successfully requires responsiveness. Whether you facilitate workshops regularly, or frequently find yourself in the role of meeting leader, this necessary skill can often be the difference between a stellar session, or one that misses the mark. Here’s why it matters, and what the power to pivot says about your facilitation style.

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at 6 “secrets” I’ve cultivated over the past 7 years working for myself as a facilitator and strategic workshop leader. They’ll help you manage your day-to-day life in a way that’s organized, enjoyable and sustainable.

Hard-to-handle participants are par for the course if you frequently facilitate meetings and workshops. While it’s stressful when these things happen, it doesn’t need to be the thing that keeps you up at night. Here are 4 tips for managing the checked-out or disengaged attendees in your meeting.

If you’re looking for a more meaningful and actionable way to wrap up meetings, take a look at these 5 options for closing your next session. They’re organized based on the scenarios meeting leaders and facilitators often find themselves in, with practical advice for each.

What helps start a hard meeting on a positive note? How do you encourage team members to think bigger? The answer: icebreakers. I thought I’d share a few more scenarios in which they’re particularly helpful. Feel free to copy and paste them into your next session!

Did you know there’s actual science behind the power of self-affirmations? Also called mantras, the practice of repeating an affirming word, sound or phrase is enough to help us feel more positive, cope with perceived threats, and become happier. I think this concept can sometimes feel silly or self-indulgent, but the truth is that it's effective! When we believe in ourselves we do better work, and that’s particularly important if you regularly guide groups who depend on your energy, direction and knowhow.

Considering leaning in and doing more facilitation? Maybe you’re already leading groups in some capacity and want to do more of it, or perhaps you’re just curious about taking the leap from your current role into a new field. I put together my favorite resources, how-to guides and references that I think will be most helpful for those of you who are just getting started.

Facilitators are present in many industries and professions, from business leaders to yoga instructors. If you regularly find yourself at the helm steering people through experiences, these five behaviors are something you’ll want to pay attention to as you hone your facilitation skills.

Most workshops follow a common arc from beginning to end, with five very distinct chapters along the way. Understanding these chapters and the goals for each can be helpful in narrowing down or honing in on the right activities to use to help achieve the desired outcomes for your workshop. Take a look at the chapters and a few example methods to make the planning part of your job a lot more straightforward.

With the return of more in-person work comes the return of more in-person workshops, and that means that we facilitators need to be prepared with the right toolkit for live gatherings. Here’s a list of the items that you might want to keep in you facilitation “go-bag” at all times.