"I have known and worked
with Michael Coyle since 1993. He is a skilled and highly
experienced mediator and facilitator."
Mr. Justice J. Stephen O'Neill,
Ontario Superior Court of Justice
What is Facilitation?Facilitation involves the use of a neutral expert to
guide a group discussion.
The facilitator is responsible for:
• Helping the group set clear goals to ensure the
discussion is productive
• Chairing the discussions in a way that allows
orderly exchanges of views in a safe and constructive
environment.
How Does Facilitation
Work?Effective facilitators use their expertise
in communication and conflict management to bring focus
to the discussions.
Depending on the needs of the group, the
facilitator may:
• Work with the group to set a constructive agenda
• Ensure that all involved have an opportunity
to contribute to the discussion
• Help set an atmosphere that permits creative
brainstorming
• Ensure that the issues are framed broadly enough
to allow the participants’ interests to be fully
explored
• Chair the meeting in a way that keeps the discussions
focused and progressing
• Help the group identify necessary next steps
to achieve their goals
• Prepare a summary of the results of the discussion
to allow the group to have a clear blueprint for
advancing their goals in the future
Who Should
Consider Facilitation? • Organizations that
wish to take some time to refocus their efforts
• To address challenges within the organization
• Parties wishing to address a conflict in a safe
and productive way.
Facilitation
is particularly valuable where the discussion must involve
a number of participants or stakeholders.
Michael
Coyle’s Experience
as a trusted facilitator has helped
dozens of parties develop better ways of working together,
with results ranging from tripartite policing agreements
to formal consultation and notification arrangements between
municipalities and their neighbours.
Success
in facilitation calls for a third party who is
energetic, sensitive to the participants' needs and who
has the necessary expertise in communication and conflict
resolution. The third party should be experienced in facilitating
multi-party discussions and mindful of the need to protect
and enhance working relationships.
