In the context of strategic planning, a facilitator is an individual who guides the organization through the entire planning process, whether they are an external consultant or an internal team member. The facilitator plays a crucial role in ensuring that the strategic planning process is effective, inclusive, and results-oriented. They help identify the right question to ask, facilitate strategic planning workshops, and maintain focus and momentum towards achieving strategic objectives.
Key roles and responsibilities of a facilitator include:
- Guiding the Process: Leading the organization through the strategic planning process, ensuring that each step is clearly defined and effectively executed.
- Identifying Key Questions: Helping the organization identify and articulate specialized questions that need to be addressed to develop a robust strategic plan. This includes understanding the organization's unique challenges and opportunities.
- Facilitating Workshops: Conducting strategic planning workshops to engage stakeholders, gather diverse perspectives, and foster collaborative decision-making. The facilitator ensures that workshops are productive, inclusive, and focused.
- Providing Expertise: Offering insights and best practices based on experience and knowledge of strategic planning methodologies. This helps the organization make informed decisions and adopt effective strategies.
- Maintaining Focus: Keeping the organization focused on its strategic objectives and ensuring that discussions and activities remain aligned with the overall goals.
- Encouraging Participation: Ensuring that all relevant stakeholders are involved in the planning process, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment to the strategic plan.
- Monitoring Progress: Helping the organization track progress towards its strategic goals, providing ongoing support and adjustments as needed to stay on track.
Consultant or Internal Facilitator?
- Outside Consultant:
- Objectivity: External consultants bring an unbiased perspective, which can help in identifying issues and opportunities that internal staff might overlook.
- Expertise: Consultants often have extensive experience across various industries and can provide specialized knowledge and best practices.
- Fresh Insights: They can introduce new ideas and innovative approaches that the organization might not have considered.
- Focused Attention: Consultants are dedicated to the strategic planning process without the distractions of daily operational responsibilities.
- Internal Facilitator:
- Organizational Knowledge: Internal facilitators have a deep understanding of the organization’s culture, history, and internal dynamics, which can be valuable in the planning process.
- Cost-Effective: Utilizing internal resources can be more cost-effective than hiring external consultants.
- Ongoing Support: Internal facilitators can provide continuous support and follow-up, ensuring that the strategic plan is implemented and adjusted over time.
- Trust and Relationships: They may already have established trust and strong relationships with team members, facilitating smoother communication and collaboration.
