The successful implementation of KEYS requires that governance and staff be adept at skills in process consultation, facilitation, and training.

A facilitator’s role is to assist the group in performing effectively. This involves helping the group diagnose and solve problems while relying on and trusting its own resources. The facilitator functions as a group member with a restricted role, as both an insider as well as an outsider. The facilitator focuses primarily on the process of the discussion rather than on participation as another contributing member of the group.

Two Dimensions of Facilitation

Shared Ownership

• Assist the group in establishing group norms.
• Promote group cohesion.
• Negotiate with the group on how discussion time is spent.
• Encourage a climate where alternative perspectives can be expressed.
• Encourage risk-taking, the expression of and support for minority opinions.
• Draw out and explore diverse ideas and perspectives.
• Confront relevant controversial issues.
• Avoid evaluation and voting that often result in polarization.
• Focus discussion on topics identified by faculty and group members.

Process Management

• Be willing to put aside your own perspective in order to understand others’ viewpoints and feelings.
• Structure process activities to support effective group development.
• Energize group discussions.
• Encourage interactive discussions among all members.
• Observe and balance participation between members.
• Do not suppress controversy between members. Controversy should be anticipated and dealt with constructively.
• Encourage dynamic group discussion through the development of concept questions.
• Keep members on task (either group development or content discussion).