Belgium: ToP Group Facilitation Methods

Introducing the foundations of the Technology of Participation (ToP) approach, two powerful techniques for structuring effective conversations and building group consensus *– 2 days*

*“I would recommend the course to others as something that can easily be used in practise for leaders, facilitators and participants of group meetings**.*** We learnt about distinguishing between reactions, emotions, thoughts, and then how to lead on to actions in yourself and in others. We worked on techniques that I have found useful in my work to do with getting from the idea stage to collectively putting together our propositions”. - Pierre Baussand, Director, Social Platform, Brussels.

This course, in English, is scheduled in partnership with Social Platform, the largest platform of European rights and value-based NGOs working in the social sector; and provided under license with ICA:UK, the participation & development charity. It is scheduled back-to-back with ToP Action Planning (June 29) to allow 1, 2 or 3 days of training at once. If you are interested in the course but do not find dates to suit you, please contact me for alternatives.

Who this course is for

The course is for all those who want to be able to engage people more effectively to build shared understanding and consensus, including team leaders and managers within organisations, those working with Boards, management teams, partnerships and external stakeholders, youth and community workers and independent facilitators. This course has no pre-requisite, but is recommended for ToP Action Planning and a pre-requisite for ToP Participatory Strategic Planning. It is recommended both to newcomers to facilitation, and to experienced facilitators who are new to our approach.

Questions this course answers

“How can I have more purposeful & productive conversations, bring out the wisdom of a group, encourage feedback between people, and reach shared awareness in meetings? How can I generate and weave together a diverse range of ideas, develop creative solutions and build a group consensus?”

This course provides a structured introduction to the ToP Focused Conversation and Consensus Workshop methods, which form the foundations of the ToP Action Planning method, Participatory Strategic Planning and other applications.

What you will gain

By the end of the course, you will

• be able to identify when and how to use the Focused Conversation and Consensus Workshop methods
• have gained confidence in the use of these methods
• have recognised and explored elements of participation, creativity, teamwork and action
• have built links with others to promote future collaboration and support in the use of the methods

The Focused Conversation method provides a structured, four-level process for effective communication which ensures that everyone in a group has the opportunity to participate.

The Consensus Workshop method is a five stage process thatenables a facilitator to draw out and weave together everybody’s wisdom into a clear and practical consensus.

These methods have been featured in publications including:

• Brian Stanfield’s ‘*Art of Focused Conversation: 100 Ways to Access Group Wisdom in the Workplace*‘,
• Jo Nelson’s ‘*The Art of Focused Conversation for Schools: Over 100 Ways to Guide Clear Thinking and Promote Learning*‘, and
• Brian Stanfield’s ‘*The Workshop Book: From Individual Creativity to Group Action’*

Learning style

The course presents the two methods in a practical and participatory way. Each method is first demonstrated, then analysed and discussed, and then practiced in supportive small groups with guided reflection & feedback. Finally, participants plan how they will apply each method in their own situations.

What do participants say about this course?

93% of GFM participants rated the course 8/10 or higher. Comments from participants’ end-of-course evaluations included:

• brilliant – a must-do if you want better, more effective meetings
• provides two practical, easy-to-use methods to discover deep insights from diverse groups – useful tools for any group, organisation or community
• benefits for experienced facilitator and novice alike
• worth every penny – excellent content & great presentation

What your fee includes

Full rate for private & public sector organisations: £525.00

Discounted rate for voluntary organisations & independent professionals: £340.00

Your fee includes a comprehensive facilitator's manual and one hour's free telephone coaching after the course. Also included are refreshments, but not lunches during the course and not accommodation. A variety of places to buy a light lunch are available near the venue.

For further details

Please contact me with any questions or for further details – including how to commission a tailored course for your group and availability of scheduled public courses, in the UK and worldwide. See also ToP facilitation training at your place – and free places for you!

For further details ans to register online please visit https://1606-top-group-facilitation-methods.eventbrite.co.uk