According to LinkedIn, core competencies required for a facilitator include communication, active listening, developing synergy, and asking questions.[i] Along with that, interpersonal skills and value for diversity are also important qualities in facilitators, the British Council believes.[ii] Using these skills, a facilitator can create an environment where learning is fun and spontaneous for all.
A skilled facilitator is one that brings together people of diverse personalities and learning preferences to get involved and respond towards collective learning. Here are the top 10 power skills that will help you master facilitation.
| 1 | What is Facilitation? | Understand facilitation, make preparation and know how to respond to group behaviours |
| 2 | Body Language | Use a positive, confident and friendly body language to manage people and problems harmoniously |
| 3 | Ask Questions & Listen Actively | Ask questions to initiate communication and listen with focus to understand better |
| 4 | Build Emotional Intelligence | Generate self-awareness and be aware of others’ emotions |
| 5 | Speak with Confidence | Use the right tone, pitch and speed when speaking to exhibit confidence |
| 6 | Create Team Synergy | Develop understanding, cooperation and dialogue between team members |
| 7 | Master Inter-Cultural Communication | Know how to communicate with people from different cultures, and build a healthy multicultural environment |
| 8 | Solve Problems Creatively | Solve problems using brainstorming, analysis, selection and evaluation |
| 9 | When Dealing with Difficult People | Learn to handle and cope with negative attitudes and behaviour |
| 10 | Manage Your Time | Create an effective time management strategy by prioritising, and creating a routine and to-do list |
Sources
[i] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140619061555-1334077-6-essential-skills-of-a-effective-facilitator
[ii] https://www.britishcouncil.org/active-citizens/who/facilitators/what-makes-good-facilitator