ToP Facilitation Methods

Description: Demonstrates proven ways to achieve group participation including effective conversations, gaining consensus and motivating action. Teaches the three ToP® Facilitation Methodologies that are the basis for all other ToP® courses.

1. The ToP® Focused Conversation provides a context for meaningful communication. It is used to facilitate group discussions, which allow members to share diverse perspectives in a productive and non-confrontational manner.
2. The ToP® Consensus Workshop facilitates group consensus-based decisions that respect the diversity of perspectives within the group, inspire individual action and move the group toward joint resolve and action.
3. The ToP® Action Planning Process is used to plan an event or project. This process clarifies and delineates the task and aligns the creativity, capabilities, interests, and resources of the group. The group decides necessary actions, roles, and responsibilities. The process builds group trust, support, enthusiasm and consensus.

Outcomes:

• Learn a structured process to lead a meaningful exchange of ideas and make critical decisions together.
• Learn proven methods to shape and ask questions that stimulate candid feedback and discussion.
• Obtain a framework for any group process, from a small workshop to a multi-day conference.
• Obtain problem-solving techniques to bring many diverse ideas into a consensus.
• Develop action plans and strategies in a fraction of the time needed by traditional methods.
• See the three methods demonstrated.
• Volunteers receive coaching in applying the methodologies through hands-on practice.

Benefits:

• Engage and motivate groups for action.
• Save time and money with increased productivity.
• Increase confidence in facilitating team meetings.
• Heighten effectiveness in leading team communication and input sessions.
• Gain higher engagement, motivation and greater results from teams or community groups.

Who Should Take this Course:

• Experienced group facilitators and leaders
• Organization, project and team leaders
• Educators and health practitioners
• Active citizens and community workers
• Process consultants
• Local, state, and federal program managers

Course Length: Two days

Prerequisite: None