Table of Contents
Foreword Peggy Holman xiii
Preface xvii
Introduction xix
Chapter 1 Foundations and Connections 1
History and Overview of Dynamic Facilitation 1
Similarities and Differences with Other Approaches 3
Choice-Creating Conversation 5
The Relationship between Theory, Method, and Practice 8
Chapter 2 Basic Elements of the Facilitator's Role 11
What We Mean by Really Listening 11
Trusting and Supporting Group Self-Organization 13
Recording Participants' Contributions 19
Using the Charts to Maintain an Open Flow 20
Differences between Dynamic Facilitation and Brainstorming 22
"We-flection" and the Role of Designated Listener 23
Chapter 3 Preparing the Ground 27
Before the Group Meetings 27
Setting Realistic Expectations and Time Frames 28
Exploring the Broader Organizational Context 30
Chapter 4 Getting Started 35
Introducing the Process 35
What about Ground Rules? 37
Beginning the Content Exploration: Do We Need an "Issues" Page? 38
Jumping In 40
Chapter 5 Key Aspects of the Initial Stage 43
From Complaints to Creativity 43
Honoring Creativity by Welcoming Initial Solutions 46
Welcoming Both Solutions and Concerns 48
Protecting Creativity and Working Effectively with Advocacy 49
The Problem-Statements Chart: Tracking the Evolving Flow 51
The Data Chart: Honoring Context, Perspectives, and Everything Else 54
Drawing out Group Divergence 56
Chapter 6 Transition and Intermediate Stages 59
Allowing Convergence to Emerge 59
Helping Groups through the Yuck 61
Remaining in a Creative Flow 62
Each Arrival as a New Point of Departure 65
Disconfirming the Appearance of Convergence 66
Choice-Creating as an Alternative to Decision Making 67
A Meeting of Minds and Hearts 68
Letting Go and Allowing 70
From Shared Understanding to Action 72
Chapter 7 Concluding Stages and Follow-up 77
Closing Stages of a Session 77
Creating Content Closure 78
Creating Process Closure 82
Harvesting the Charts after Each Session 85
Following up with Action Plans and More 86
Chapter 8 Applying Dynamic Facilitation 89
When Is Dynamic Facilitation Appropriate? 89
Working as a Facilitation Team 93
The Wisdom Council: A Microcosm That Affects the Larger Whole 94
Using Dynamic Facilitation with One's Own Self or One-on-One 97
What's Next? Continuing to Learn Dynamic Facilitation 98
Acknowledgments 101
References 107
Postcript 109
Index 111
