8 Facilitation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

This blog post is all about the common mistakes we facilitators make and, more importantly, how to dodge those pitfalls.

Mistake #1: Mr./Mrs Wing It. The "I'll figure it out as I go" trap

I get it. You're confident in your skills, and you think you can handle anything on the fly. But trust me, lack of preparation is a recipe for disaster.

How to Avoid It?

• Clearly outline what you want to achieve. What should participants walk away with?
• Craft a detailed agenda, even if you don’t stick to it rigidly. It’s your safety net.
• Gather and test any materials or tech you’ll need. There’s nothing more frustrating than a malfunctioning projector or missing handouts.

Mistake #2:The Rigid Ruler. Sticking too closely to the plan

This is the other end of the extreme spectrum. While planning is crucial, being inflexible can be just as problematic. If something's not working, forcing it won't help.

How to fix it?

• Build in buffer time for unexpected discussions or issues.
• Read the room. If energy is low or an activity isn't landing, be ready to pivot.
• Have backup activities or discussion points ready.

Mistake #3: Ignoring the Audience

Facilitating isn’t about you; it’s about them – your participants. Overlooking their needs and dynamics can lead to disengagement and a lackluster event.

How to Avoid It?

• Understand your audience, their background, expectations, and learning styles. Send out a pre-event survey if needed.
• Plan activities that cater to different learning styles – visual, auditory, kinesthetic.
• Be ready to pivot if something isn’t resonating. Sometimes the best-laid plans need tweaking on the fly.

Mistake #4: The know-it-all: Talking too much

We get it, you’re the facilitator and you have a lot to share. But talking too much can turn a session into a snooze-fest.

How to Avoid It?

• Remember the 80/20 rule: Participants should be talking 80% of the time, you only 20%. Therefore facilitate discussions rather than monopolising the conversation.
• Use open-ended questions to encourage participation.
• Incorporate group discussions or break-out sessions. This keeps energy levels up and ideas flowing.
• Don’t be afraid of pauses. Give participants time to think and respond.

Mistake #5: The Runaway Train: Poor time management

Running out of time or dragging on can frustrate participants. Striking the right balance is crucial.

How to Avoid It?

• Practice your timing beforehand.
• Allocate specific time slots for each segment of your agenda.
• Keep an eye on the clock or have a co-facilitator help you manage time.
• Be prepared to cut less critical sections if time is running short.

Mistake #6: The Silent Treatment: Not engaging all participants

Keeping participants engaged is key. A lack of engagement can lead to a room full of bored, unmotivated individuals.

How to Avoid It?

• Mix up your methods – presentations, videos, interactive activities, and discussions.
• Use Technology such as polls, quizzes, and interactive platforms to liven things up.
• Plan short breaks or quick energisers to keep the momentum going. My goldern tip is, give people a break before it becomes obvious that they need one.

Mistake #7: Not Handling Difficult Participants Well

There’s always a chance you’ll encounter a difficult participant. Ignoring or mishandling them can derail your session.

How to Avoid It?

• Address disruptions calmly and maintain a professional demeanor.
• Establish clear guidelines for participation at the start.
• Sometimes the group can help manage difficult individuals by reinforcing positive behavior.

Mistake #8: Neglecting Feedback

Facilitators can sometimes forget to seek feedback, missing out on valuable insights for improvement.

How to Avoid It:?

• Distribute forms at the end of your session. Make them quick and easy to fill out.
• Send a follow-up email asking for feedback. Participants might be more reflective after the event.
• Take some time to reflect on what went well and what didn’t. Keep a journal if that helps.

Remember, no facilitator is perfect. We all make mistakes, and that’s okay! The key is to learn from them and keep improving. By being mindful of these common pitfalls and implementing these strategies, you (and I) will be well on oour way to facilitating engaging, productive, and memorable sessions.

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