When the decider needs to concentrate on the content, to actively think, listen and learn, a facilitator can take the role of managing the process of the meeting. The facilitator takes the responsibility for running the meeting so the Decider and the participants can focus directly on the problem they're going to solve.

The facilitator designs and manages the team's process. A good facilitator mobilizes the team's resources and gives focus to the team's efforts. The facilitator does not dominate the session, but proactively helps the team decide what to do and how to do it. The facilitator understands process improvement and problem solving concepts and tools, and guides the team in their selection and use.

Facilitator responsibilities before the meeting:

• Plan the agenda by reviewing assignments, minutes, and notes.

• Coordinate logistics with the administrator.

• Review problem solving or process improvement technology as needed.

• Call on the team coach as needed.

• Encourage team members to get to meetings on time, ready to work.

Facilitator responsibilities during the meeting:

• Start on time

• Conduct a warm up

• Review ground roles

• Clarify steps completed

• Clarify next steps

• Take public notes, as necessary

• Build a learning climate

• Manage the pace without dominating

• Keep the team focused on the subject

• Crystallize and clarify issues

• Test for agreements or clarify disagreements

• Towards the end of the meeting the facilitator leads a cool down and evaluation.

• End on time or extend time by mutual agreement.

A successful facilitator is:

• Able to read people
• Willing to be assertive
• Respected
• Thinks on her feet
• Uses humor
• Stays open?minded and flexible
• Has high self esteem
• Does not have a large stake in the team's outcome

The overly involved facilitator:

Sometimes a facilitator becomes overly involved in the content--the facilitator gains a stake in the outcome. When this happens, the facilitator loses neutrality. If any member of the team notices this happening, call a time out and select a new facilitator for the rest of the meeting.