Using External Facilitators

PROS/Benefits vs. CONS/Risks and Best Practices

Pros and Benefits

Fresh Perspectives and Expertise

External facilitators bring new ideas, approaches, and industry insights that internal employees might not be exposed to, potentially driving innovation and improvement. 

Objectivity and Neutrality

External facilitators are independent, so they provide unbiased guidance and can manage sensitive topics neutrally. This is beneficial in complex team dynamics or organizational changes.

High-Level Specialization and Experience

They often have specialized skills and experience in facilitating challenging or particular topics, having worked across different organizations and settings.

Enhanced Credibility

The involvement of external experts can enhance the perceived credibility of Everything DiSC® programs, especially on complex subjects where external validation is essential.

Cons and Risks

Higher Costs

Hiring external facilitators can be more expensive than internal facilitators, mainly if travel or premium rates apply. Regular external training sessions significantly increase training budgets.

Less Organizational Familiarity

External facilitators may require more time to understand the organization's culture and dynamics, which could impact the effectiveness and relevance of training.

Possible Disconnect

There is a risk that external facilitators might not fully align with the company's values or the specific nuances of its internal processes, potentially leading to recommendations that are not feasible or well-suited to the organization's actual operating environment.

Dependency

Relying on external facilitators might create a dependency, where the organization feels unable to handle training and development internally, which might affect long-term capacity building.

Best Practices

Clearly Define Objectives

Ensure that the goals and expected outcomes of the training are clearly defined and communicated to the external facilitator.

Regular Feedback

Establish a system for regular feedback and check-ins during training to ensure alignment and promptly address any emerging issues.

Confidentiality Agreements

Implement strong confidentiality agreements to protect sensitive information and maintain trust.

Provide Comprehensive Briefings

The external facilitator should be thoroughly briefed on the organization's culture, values, and specific needs to tailor the training effectively.

Integration Plans

Develop a plan for integrating the insights and strategies introduced by the external facilitator into ongoing internal practices to ensure sustained impact.

Strategic Thinking

A deep understanding of business strategy development and implementation is essential for guiding leaders in crafting strategic visions. Strategic thinking involves analyzing complex situations, anticipating future trends, and making informed decisions that align with the organization's goals and objectives.

Strategic thinkers possess excellent problem-solving skills, a forward-thinking mindset, and the capacity to see the big picture while paying attention to detail. They are adept at identifying growth opportunities, mitigating risks, and adapting strategies to changing market conditions.

Visionary Leadership

Visionary leadership goes beyond setting goals and targets; it involves inspiring and motivating others to work towards a shared vision. A visionary leader can communicate a compelling narrative that resonates with employees, customers, and stakeholders, fostering a sense of purpose and direction within the organization.

Influential visionary leaders are adept at fostering innovation, encouraging creativity, and empowering teams to think outside the box. They create a continuous improvement and learning culture, driving organizational success and growth.

Change Management

Change management is critical for leaders to navigate periods of uncertainty, transformation, and growth. Leaders with expertise in change management can effectively communicate the need for change, manage resistance, and facilitate adopting new processes and ways of working.

Successful change managers understand the human side of change. They provide support, coaching, and guidance to employees as they transition through organizational changes. They are skilled at building trust, fostering collaboration, and creating a positive change culture within the organization.

These skills and knowledge areas ensure that a facilitator or practitioner can effectively understand and leverage the Everything DiSC® supplement report to enhance individual and organizational performance.

Basic Understanding of DiSC® Theory

Knowledge of the DiSC® model, including the four primary behavior types, Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness, and how they influence communication and behavior in the workplace.

Facilitation Skills

Ability to effectively lead discussions and workshops, ask probing questions, and facilitate group interactions to maximize learning and engagement.

Interpretative Skills

Competence in analyzing DiSC® assessment results and translating them into meaningful, actionable insights for participants.

Communication Skills

Strong verbal and written communication skills to clearly and effectively convey the nuances of DiSC® profiles and their practical implications.

Application Knowledge

An understanding of how to apply DiSC® principles in various contexts, such as leadership development, team building, conflict resolution, and personal growth.

Adaptability and Sensitivity

Ability to adapt facilitation techniques to suit diverse groups and organizational cultures while being sensitive to participants' differences and needs.

Analytical Thinking

Skill in using logical reasoning to identify patterns and draw conclusions from DiSC® data and other behavioral indicators.

Continuous Learning

Commitment to ongoing education and professional development in DiSC® methodologies, new research in psychology, and evolving best practices in training and development.

Certifications and Professional Development

Pursuing relevant certifications and professional development opportunities enhances skills, validates expertise, and demonstrates commitment to the profession.

Degrees

Degrees in business, education, psychology, or related disciplines provide a strong foundation for facilitators.

Corporate Training

Leading workshops and training sessions focused on leadership development.

Consulting

Providing strategic advice and facilitating organizational change for leadership teams.

Team Leadership

Managing teams or departments, focusing on leadership development and performance improvement.

Conflict Resolution

Mediating disputes and fostering collaborative environments in leadership settings.

Project Management

Overseeing leadership development projects from inception to completion, ensuring goals are met within constraints.

Public Speaking

Delivering presentations and speeches to diverse audiences, enhancing communication and engagement skills in leadership contexts.

Things to Avoid or Be Cautious About When Considering Facilitators

Overly Reliant on One Methodology

Relying too heavily on a single facilitation methodology can limit training effectiveness. Facilitators should be versatile and incorporate various approaches to meet participants' diverse needs.

Ignoring Organizational Culture

Failing to consider the organization's unique culture and dynamics can lead to ineffective facilitation. Facilitators should tailor their approach to align with the organizational context.

Lack of Preparation

Inadequate preparation can undermine the success of training sessions. Facilitators should thoroughly prepare, understand the audience, and customize content accordingly.

Failure to Engage Participants

Monotonous delivery and lack of interactive elements can disengage participants. Facilitators should use a variety of techniques to keep sessions dynamic and engaging.

Ignoring Feedback

Dismissing or not actively seeking feedback can prevent improvement. Facilitators should encourage and act on participant feedback to continually enhance their sessions.

Inadequate Follow-up

Without proper follow-up, the impact of training can diminish. Facilitators should ensure mechanisms are in place to reinforce learning and track progress post-session.