Communication: FACILITATORS - Four Types Of Facilitators 

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In communication, a facilitator guides the process of a discussion. The role of the facilitator is to make the discussion process smooth, organized, coordinated and easy. The facilitator works to focus the attention and effort of the group members, ensure that agenda items are met or addressed and prevent the group from going off track.

The following are four types of FACILITATORS:

Neutral Facilitator: A neutral facilitator is one that does a lot of asking. He asks more than contribute. He asks a lot of questions with focus on guiding the process of a meeting. This type of facilitator can guide and steer people through a tricky agenda while making sure everyone is heard, all issues addressed as he helps the team to reach a concensus.

Facilitative Consultant: Unlike the neutral facilitator, the facilitative consultant does a balancing between asking and telling as he guides the meeting process. The facilitative consultant makes strong content contributions and can assist a group reach a well supported decision.

Observer: As the name implies, this facilitator type does well at observing a group by watching carefully for group dynamic issues like fatigue, concern, signs of enthusiasm, and others. He/she can spot clues in body languages that others may miss.

Expert: The expert can open the eyes of a group to new approaches and concepts as he/she shares knowledge-making content and non process-related contributions.