Customer Reviews

The IAF Handbook of Group Facilitation: Best Practices from the Leading Organization in Facilitation (J-B International Association of Facilitators)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
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An extraordinarily rich and in-depth introduction to the subject. Each chapter is written by one or more experts. The book covers such topics as:

- creating an ongoing client relationship;
- the skilled facilitator approach;
- process issues such as difficult personalities;
- facilitation planning and preparation;
- building trust;
- the art of drawing out the best in people;
- building a collaborative environment;
- facilitating the whole system in the room;
- improvisation in facilitation;
- virtual meetings;
- facilitating communication in group decision making discussions;
- how to build you facilitation expertise.

These topics are but a sampling, to give some idea of the scope and depth of this most valuable volume, which takes the reader far deeper than methods and techniques. The book is well organized and very accessible. Based on our organization diagnosis, design and change consulting experience (www.FutureOrganization.com), we find this book to be a terrific resource for practitioners.

I have over 35 years of experience in facilitation, working in villages, multinational companies, intergovernmental bodies and not-for-profit organizations. The IAF Handbook of Group Facilitation is the reference book of facilitation. From the day it arrived I began using it.

Chapters cover a wide array of applications, methods and theory of faciliation. Topics such as visual facilitation, the use of stories in facilitation, training of facilitators, facilitation as a communications tool and much more make this book a must have for those concerned with the profession of facilitation

I purchased 3 different books regarding faciliation techniques and guidelines and this was the ultimate. It is set out very clearly, provides background to faciliation and then systematically steps through an end-to-end process including a wide range of techniques to select from when developing a plan for a facilitation workshop.

A compendium of different competencies, skills, tools and techniques of seasoned, professional facilitators. Check out my chapter (#28) on How to Build Your Expertise in Facilitation.