What exactly are facilitation training courses, how do you find one, and what are some alternative options? In this article, we'll answer those questions and more.
Getting good at guiding a team or running a meeting isn't something you just know how to do - it's a skill, and like any skill, it's something you can get better at. This is where facilitation training courses come into play. They're both for bosses or teachers; anyone who finds themselves in charge of a group can benefit.
Choosing the right course might feel a bit like finding a needle in a haystack with all the options out there. But, these courses are tailor-made to sharpen your skills in leading workshops, encouraging teamwork, and making meetings something people might actually look forward to. Chances are, there's a course out there that's just right for you.
Why bother with all this? Being a great facilitator means you can hit your goals more smoothly and make sure that people on your team feel heard, appreciated, and motivated. Let's take a closer look at facilitation training courses and how they can help you level up at work.
Facilitation training courses are giving you the tools you need to run meetings and workshops that don't just meet goals but really support everything your business is going for. You get to learn how to keep activities on track, handle all sorts of group scenarios, and create a space where everyone's geared up to learn. These aren't just fancy skills; they turn a regular session into something lively and impactful.
It's super important to get good at things like smoothing over tensions and focusing more on what learners need from the session rather than going through your slides. It involves involving people in the process of learning by giving clear directions and changing your technique to match different ways people learn and what they need out of the session.
The real stars in facilitation are those who can manage a room with ease and make sure people feel included. They shine in those curveball moments that throw others off. Sure, knowing your things matters, but what really makes you a great facilitator is how you guide the session to improve learning, spike participation, and nail those outcomes. Effective facilitation is basically about making those wow moments that change the way people think and work.
Picking out the right training to improve your leadership skills can really make a difference, especially if you're making your mark in the pro world. With a bunch of training courses out there, it's important to snag the one that feels like it was made just for you and your goals. To give you an example, if you're racing against the clock but eager to grasp the essentials of facilitation, Udemy has your back with a course designed for quick learning. Then there's Voltage Control, blending live sessions with go-at-your-own-pace learning - perfect for testing out those new skills in your day-to-day work life.
If you're in for a deeper dive, TD's Training & Facilitation Certificate tackles the specifics of the training cycle right down to mastering virtual training sessions. And for those who learn best by doing, the Fountain Institute rolls out a "Facilitating Workshops" course, packing hands-on experience into 22 days. Leadership Strategies has a four-day online process customized for those leading teams and workshops, while CIMERProject zeroes in on honing the leadership skills of research program heads. Coursera throws a wider net with a bunch of university-led courses covering a breadth of important skills.
So, when it's crunch time to choose, weigh up which course lines up with how you like to learn, how much time you have to spare, and the particular skills you're itching to improve. Remember, the knowledge you gain is a big deal, and the right facilitation course could seriously step up your game.
Earning the Certified Pro Facilitator (CPF) from the International Association of Facilitators is like getting a super useful star in the space of facilitation. It says loud and clear that you're both any facilitator; you really know your things. You have the skills to separate the wheat from the chaff when you're working - knowing what's important and what the process of your jam is.
Getting your hands on this certificate isn't a walk in the park. You have to show what you're made of through various tests, like sharing your personal experiences, having meaningful conversations with the people at IAF, and doing practical tasks while someone's watching and giving you pointers. Oh, and just when you think you can sit back and relax with your certificate on the wall, think again. This badge of honor needs refreshing every three years. Why? It's in staying sharp and keeping up with the latest in facilitation land. To renew, you're back at it, submitting work and soaking in more feedback.
Having this certificate is a big deal. It tells people that you're an expert at leading and that you're in growing your methods to stay on top of your game. It's a sign to teams and organizations that you're the right person to help them navigate through their challenges, all while keeping things smooth and effective.
If you're looking to improve your facilitation game but can't quite jive with the traditional courses out there, why not talk about something more interactive? There are loads of opportunities to get your hands dirty and learn by actually doing. Think about getting involved in projects, volunteering, or jumping into mastermind groups. This way, you're both learning; you're applying those skills in real situations and seeing how teamwork plays out firsthand.
Take simulations, To give you an example. They're like a playground for facilitators. You can test out different approaches and see what works best without worrying about messing up huge. It's in learning from what doesn't go as planned. And if you take the lead on a community project, you get to hone those leadership muscles - tackling group dynamics, smoothing over conflicts, and getting strategic with plans. Real-life things.
Then there's the magic of mastermind groups. Picture this: a bunch of people coming together, all eager to help each other grow by swapping stories, challenges, and brainstorming fixes. It's give and take at its best, building a support network where everyone's lifting each other up.
These aren't your average learn-from-a-book scenarios. They throw you into the mix, and it can be hard for you to apply what you learn on the fly and adapt. It's about becoming comfortable with the uncomfortable, and that's where the real growth happens.
Picking the perfect training to up your game in meetings and workshops feels pretty awesome, right? Imagine this: a whole number of courses just waiting to spice up your facilitation skills. To give you an example, if you have your sights set on running workshops in creative fields like design thinking, The Fountain Institute is your favorite because of its "Facilitating Workshops" course. It's designed to be budget-friendly and to fit into your busy life without cutting corners on what you learn.
For all of you leaders and managers who are determined to improve your skills, Leadership Strategies has "The Effective Facilitator." It spans four days and is pretty committed. But, if you're all in on improving your leadership, this could be a great way.
And for those either just starting out or looking to aim even higher in their careers, the Association for Talent Development (ATD) has you covered. Plus, voltage control doesn't hold back, with their full-on certification program spreading over a few months, which is perfect for those jumping into facilitation.
Let's not forget Business Training Works courses; your best bets for making those meetings and workshops both bearable and maybe even fun. They fine-tune your skills to match the tone of today's workplace.
With each provider targeting a unique audience, there's something out there for people - from the top execs and team leaders to those just interested in stepping up their training and facilitation game. This is your chance to grab those leadership tools. Finding a course that goes hand in hand with your goals? That's how you smash it in the pro world.
Want to kick your workshop and meeting leadership skills up a notch? Let's talk about the cream-of-the-crop facilitation training courses for 2023 you shouldn't miss.
Again, you have the Fountain Institute's Facilitating Workshops Course, which has many uses beyond any course. It's a three-week adventure with live online sessions, tailor-made feedback calls, and coaching that's getting you hands-on. You're looking at $995 for the Essentials package and $1,295 for a bit more oomph with the Premium. Perfect for those who really get into it.
Then there's the Facilitator School's Facilitator Masterclass, which thinks of it as the VIP room for learning - exclusive and focused. Limited to just 20 spots, this six-week online process for €995 will school you in the ins and outs of rocking meetings and workshops.
If you're someone who loves being where the action is, Hyper Island's Facilitative Leadership Course in Stockholm is your favorite. Spent three great days mastering the make of facilitation, getting into the specifics of group dynamics, and leading team sessions - all for $2,846.
For a deep dive, Voltage Control's Facilitator Certification Program stretches over three months online. It asks for a 6-8 hour weekly commitment and comes with a $5,000 price tag but leaves you decked out with top-tier facilitation skills.
Quick learners aiming to tackle big challenges pronto will find their match in the Design Sprint Masterclass. At $1,997, you're in for a great source of resources, full training, and a shiny certification to boot.
Wrapping it up, we have Butter's top picks for 2023, starring standouts like The Fountain Institute, Gwyn Wansbrough's Breakthrough Facilitation Course, and Voltage Control's certification. A great lineup for anyone interested in matching a course with their budget, interests, and skill-boosting desires.
Picking the right course? It's about lining up the skills you want to improve, how much you're ready to invest, and what new knowledge you're eager to soak up. Jump in and turn how you lead workshops and meetings from today!
Leadership is hitting the books or zoning out during those same old seminars. The internet is packed with fresh perspectives on guiding a team or managing a project. Talk about resources like The Fountain Institute, Workshops, and Loumee for a great source of articles, videos, and podcasts loaded with practical leadership nuggets.
Prefer to digest guidance at your leisure? Then authors like Sam Kaner, Ingrid Bens, and Johnnie Moore might just become your new mentors. Their books go beyond spoon-feeding you tips - they gently reshape your leadership technique, one insight at a time.
And for those who barely have a minute to spare, online learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, or Coursera offer compact courses designed to slot neatly into your busy schedule without emptying your wallet.
Networking shouldn't be ignored. Getting involved with groups like ATD connects you with fellow pros and gives you access to training programs crafted just for your field, blending education with networking.
The value of peer learning is a lot. Being involved in social media groups or online forums allows you to exchange stories, advice, and, yes, even a chuckle or two about handling the leadership process.
But when it comes down to it, nothing tops real experience - volunteering for leadership positions at community events or within pro circles. It's the perfect way to test out your leadership mettle in the real world, offering a firsthand look at applying theories and leading both projects and people.
So, no matter if you're a devout reader, webinar aficionado, or a people-person, there's a way for anyone eager to refine their leadership skills.
Talking about training programs and soaking up real-world experiences can really kick your facilitating skills up a notch. Once you have those skills down, the next step is to use them to make team experiences that nobody will forget anytime soon. And guess what? Throwing some food and fun into the mix works wonders for getting people to gel.
Connecting with your remote team on a level that is both in the usual work chat is pretty rare, right? That's why we need to think outside the box, moving past the same old team-building routines to spark joy, unleash creativity, and knit tighter connections within the team.
Here at PizzaTime, we're turning those run-of-the-mill virtual meet-ups into unforgettable gatherings that pump up team spirit and bring people closer. We're the ones sending treats to your doorstep and putting together virtual team-building activities that aren't just fun; they're building blocks for important soft skills, too.
Think virtual pizza parties, happy hours, or even escape room challenges for your remote teams with us, it's in making sure those screens in front of us don't stand in the way of real connections and great atmospheres.
Remote meetings are boring. Stimulate your team with a unique experience.
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