Introduction to Facilitation in Corporate Performance Management

• What is facilitation? The facilitator's role in performance management
• The importance of facilitation skills for managers
• Key characteristics of a successful facilitator
• Overview of the training program
• Interactive Activity: Group discussion on what makes a facilitator effective in a corporate environment

The Facilitation Mindset – Creating a Collaborative Environment

• Creating a safe, open environment for communication
• Setting the tone for collaborative discussions
• Building trust and rapport with team members
• Role-Playing: Participants practice setting a positive tone for a meeting with a focus on inclusivity

Active Listening and Effective Questioning Techniques

• The art of active listening and its importance in facilitation
• Using open-ended questions to encourage participation and idea generation
• How to ask the right questions to clarify understanding and guide decision-making
• Interactive Activity: Practice active listening and questioning techniques in pairs, with feedback

Managing Group Dynamics in Performance Discussions

• Identifying and addressing dominant personalities and quiet participants
• Handling conflicts, disagreements, and differing opinions
• Encouraging constructive criticism and feedback during performance reviews
• Case Study Discussion: Analyze a challenging group dynamic and discuss strategies for facilitation

Techniques for Guiding Discussions and Decision-Making

• The decision-making process: How to help groups reach a consensus
• Using decision-making tools (e.g., SWOT analysis, multi-voting)
• Facilitating brainstorming and prioritization sessions
• Workshop: Facilitate a decision-making activity

Leading Performance Review Sessions and Team Meetings

• Structuring performance review meetings: Setting objectives, managing time, and staying on track
• Balancing feedback: Delivering constructive and positive feedback to motivate and improve team performance
• Handling difficult conversations during performance evaluations
• Role-Playing: Participants facilitate a mock performance review session, focusing on balancing feedback and encouraging open dialogue

Using Visual Aids and Facilitation Tools

• The power of visual aids in facilitating understanding (charts, mind maps, whiteboards)
• Tools for managing discussions and feedback (e.g., sticky notes, digital collaboration tools like Miro or Jamboard)
• Creating templates for meeting agendas, performance review forms, and action plans
• Interactive Activity: Design a facilitation tool or template for a team meeting or performance review

Managing Conflict and Difficult Situations

• Understanding the sources of conflict in teams and performance discussions
• Techniques for de-escalating conflict and fostering cooperation
• Managing difficult behaviors (e.g., aggression, disengagement)
• Role-Playing: Practice handling a difficult conversation or conflict in a performance management context

Feedback and Continuous Improvement in Facilitation

• The role of feedback in improving facilitation effectiveness
• Techniques for gathering feedback from participants (surveys, verbal feedback, observation)
• Strategies for self-reflection and self-improvement as a facilitator
• Activity: Participants give and receive feedback on their facilitation in a small group setting