Trust is the belief that someone is reliable and honest. When there is trust there is a foundation of security and reliability that allows people to be vulnerable and open. Trust allows a person to be less defensive about their thoughts allowing them to share their deepest feelings and emotions without any fear of recourse.
Your objective when facilitating meetings
A facilitator’s role is to create and hold a safe space where everyone feels comfortable enough to express their feelings, opinions, provide feedback, ask questions and admit to faults and uncertainties without fear of repercussion. When the facilitator can cultivate an environment where people can be at ease, it allows for more open communication, active participation and more productive collaboration as participants are able to share ideas, express themselves and their perspective without fear of judgement.
Before the meeting
Build trust during tea breaks and lunch times by making yourself more available to participants. Speak to people on a casual basis. The more accessible you are, the more people get to know you and the more they will feel comfortable around you. If you are too aloof, it sends a signal that you are less approachable and that may result in people not being as open in the meeting with you.
Think of any potential hurdles, challenges or disagreements that might play out and have a back-up plan for these. When participants see that you are prepared it will increase their trust quotient in you.
During the meeting
Before you commence, share details as to why the meeting and everyone’s feedback is so vital. Be sincere and honest. When people understand the bigger perspective, they are more likely to work with you to solve for the outcome.
Set clear ground rules for active participation and respectful communication at the beginning of the meeting. During the meeting, if there is a deviation as to what was agreed upon, gently remind people of those rules – this helps to build further trust in the group when they can see there is a commitment to fairness which makes them more likely to contribute further to the discussion.
Openly discuss contentious matters or hurdles. By bringing up contentious matters yourself, it shows that you are open to fully discussing the matter and not trying to hide anything by not discussing it.
Disagreements during meetings are expected. By addressing conflict and disagreements with respect, decorum and composure, it loosens the tension in the group allowing people to have more open dialogue to reach consensus amicably.
Finally, encourage participants to explore alternative solutions rather than just discussing the most popular options. This approach encourages other people to come up with unique ideas as they trust you and your approach to being inclusive.
After the meeting
Do what you say you will do. Trust is built on action. Take action as promised in the meeting within the agreed format and timelines.
Inspirational advice to boost your facilitation skills
- Adapt your approach to individual needs. Be aware of different personalities and communication styles of individuals in the room and adapt your approach to appeal to a diverse group of participants.
- Show gratitude. Praise participants for their contribution, viewpoints, suggestions, and perspectives. This creates a positive group dynamic as you continually build more trust with the audience.
- Trust is the foundation of effective communication. When people trust you, they will listen to you and be more open to work with you, so don’t underestimate the value of trust.
