These are unprecedented times.
(I know. I’m sorry.)
Cliché or not, however, it is true. The seismic cultural and social shift that has occurred in just the past six months have been staggering. From the global pandemic, the rise of extreme political polarisation, and on-going social justice and civil rights movements,2020 has forced the world to reexamine how to do business, socialise, and experience our lives in a truly unprecedented way. Workshops, conferences, and seminars are absolutely no exception.
What’s the shift?
As thousands of workshops and seminars across the globe have been shifted from in-person events to online meetings, other more subtle changes in workshop facilitation have also begun to arise in this wild new 2020 world. Facilitators must now approach workshops, conferences, and seminars in a much different manner, both from procedural and logistical lens, to an experiential lens.
Whereas pre-2020 workshop facilitators were encouraged to remain neutral and non-intrusive in previous conversations and exercises, the cultural climate of today almost prohibits that type of perceived silence.
Where in-person events could make space for long moments of quiet in order to draw out conversation, the online environment all but forbids that level of non-communication. Additionally, as the cultural paradigm continues to shift, remaining neutral about specific topics might no longer be compatible with the current temperature of society.
Activity based facilitation vs. verbal and story-driven facilitation
Other adjustments such as switching from activity-based facilitation to a more verbal and story-driven model, as well as the more constrictive time and space factors that the current cultural shift has created have presented unique challenges for even the most experienced facilitator.
However, among the most critical considerations for facilitators as we enter this new remote learning reality is the total globalisation of workshops and sessions. In the past, attendees would travel to a workshop or conference, and now, the conference comes to them. Why does this matter to them and how does it impact facilitators?
Understanding unique cultural perspectives and expectations
Whereas before, attendees would need to adjust their expectations to align with the cultural norms where the workshop was located, the facilitator now must understand that their attendees will be connecting from anarray of countries – all holding their own unique cultural perspective and expectations. The difference is subtle, but the implication is tremendous. It is now the facilitator’s responsibility and duty to find a middle ground that will meet the cultural and societal needs of all attendees as they remote in from across the globe.
Here are five high-level takeaways that will be critical in conducting positive facilitation for workshops remotely:
- Be prepared to drive the conversation and lead the discussion more directly in remote workshops.
- Be mindful of all potential cultural influences that are present in the session and be aware of potential phrases or actions that could negatively impact attendees.
- Prepare for harder, more uncomfortable questions – attendees are more likely to speak up when behind a computer screen as opposed to in person.
- Adjust material to a verbal and story-based model, rather than an activity.
- Create space for grace and flexibility during this new phase of group learning.
With some guided modifications, thoughtful exercises, and mindful adjustments, facilitating workshops in 2020 and beyond is not only possible, but capable of exceeding all expectations and hold the potential to enable true growth and survival amidst the chaos.
