It's hard to run a meeting and be a useful participant. It's even harder when you're the boss. That's why using a facilitator can be so productive.

A facilitator has these benefits

• Keeps the meeting on focus
• Keeps the meeting on time
• Improves communication so everyone uses words and phrases with the same meaning
• Captures side topics so they're not forgotten but don't derail the meeting
• Makes sure the meeting ends with action items, a decision, or whatever the purpose of the meetings is

Why An Outside Facilitator is so Effective

• I can ask people to explain what insiders take for granted
• I can probe deep without loss of face
• I'm not part of any political faction
• I can adapt to individual styles
  • Make sure the quiet ones get heard
  • Make sure people have time to think
  • Make sure people don't ramble
• I can push people to explain things better and encourage those who hold back to participate without any relationship baggage. 

How I work

First I will discuss with you (or whoever is responsible for the meeting) what outcomes and deliverables you expect from the session.

 Next we'll make a list of who should be in the meeting and what kind of preparation we expect from them (if any). For some meetings we want a good deal of prep work, but in other cases we want the meeting to capture people's first impressions.

 Usually I'll meet with each participant individually to introduce myself, make them feel comfortable with the process and bring up any concerns they have. This usually happens by video call. 

During the sessions my job is

• Keep the meeting on track (no going down rabbit holes)
• Make sure the outcomes are achieved
• Clarify and reflect back what the group is saying. I don’t take a position but work to clarify your position.

Types of Meetings that work well with an outside facilitator

• Strategic Planning Sessions
• Make a decision as a group
• Get everyone on the same page about a future initiative
• Communicate across silos
• Event Planning and/or Pre-mortems
• Debrief after an event
• OKRs and Goal setting

How To Engage Me

Let's set up a call to discuss your needs. If I feel I can help we'll discuss the particulars and the price. I require 50% deposit to commit my schedule and the final payment before the start of the session.

My Fee

Prices start at $5,000 for a one-day session with up to 8 people. This includes my prep work with each participant and my travel time.

Not included is any travel expenses, food, or logistics.

You'll be responsible for providing the room, a projector or screen and whiteboard or flip charts and internet connection.

Deliverables include the flip charts and photos of the whiteboard. A final report can be arranged if desired. Some clients like to provide their own admin for scribing the event.