Key facilitation skills to support stakeholder group engagement

An effective facilitator needs to master the art of group consultation and communication, so that equal attention can be given to the context and content as well as the process of managing group interactions. A skilled facilitator can help the group build trust, interpersonal skills, and conflict management abilities. Facilitators must quickly build trust and partnership with key persons, understand the politics, issues, culture and power dynamics etc., and above all must demonstrate the ability to further the strategic planning efforts and initiatives.