Facilitateaphobia
This week’s article will be of particular interest to new facilitators who often doubt themselves and fear stepping out to lead a group. And, it may also interest those experienced facilitators who may continue to feel these feelings as well! My colleague and fellow facilitator, Fred Niziol submitted an excellent perspective he entitles, Facilitateaphobia, about the fear new facilitators face and what to do about it. Thank you Fred for this contribution! I look forward to your comments on it.
Agree with the assessment but while the suggestions are good, I don’t think they will necessarily resolve what the author terms ‘facilitateaphobia’. More effective is a step process such as one sometimes used in mediation training: be trained (including role plays), watch, co-facilitate with seasoned facilitator, ‘graduate’ to facilitating on own. This gradual entry allows for a sense of security in new facilitators since the entire burden is not on their shoulders and there is someone to rescue a situation if trouble occurs.