Virtual Facilitation

11Partners

Figure 11.1 Partners for the session

Clearly defined partners are key to ensure a smooth flow during your session, getting the right input from the right people at the right time (Figure 11.1). There will be people in your session who play a crucial part in achieving the purpose of the session. We already touched upon the different roles in your session. There will obviously be a facilitator for the main session. You may also want a facilitator for breakout sessions, if you're running any, or assign participants to do this. It might be that you need input from key experts. Or that you need a leader to be present to make a key decision or address something specific. You should also consider whether you need a technical assistant to take care of the logistical side of the session. The aim with this final point of the Design Star is to think about who will stand out in terms of making the session a success. These are your partners.

Also think about what parts you need to play in order to achieve the purpose of the session. Do you need to be a challenger or a supporter?

Are you there facilitating or do you also play a part as an expert? We often ask our clients how they want us to be as the facilitator. Do they want us to be the challenger or do they want us to act as the person who is seeking all the different perspectives to find common ground? Is it okay for us ...