Facilitation Nightmare | We Lost Our Props

Description

Episode 242: A nightmare when traveling is losing your bags, and then the nightmare is intensified when you rely on what is in those bags to do your job. Phil Brown and Lisa Hunt share their experience of a recent facilitation program in Europe where their bag of props did not arrive. They quickly pivoted and adapted their program to work with the resources they had.

In this conversation, guest Chris Ortiz, and hosts Lisa and Phil discuss the elements of planning and co-facilitation that contributed to the success of a program despite facing setbacks. They emphasize the importance of understanding the goals and themes of activities, rather than just focusing on the activities themselves. They also highlight the value of radical acceptance and trust in co-facilitation, allowing each facilitator to bring their style and ideas to the program. The conversation touches on the significance of having a process for planning and preparation, as well as the benefits of incorporating novel and unique aspects into a program. Overall, the conversation highlights the resilience and adaptability required in facilitation and the importance of maintaining a positive and flexible mindset.

Episode Takeaways:

• Quickly pivot and adapt when faced with unexpected challenges.
• Focus on what you have and make adjustments as needed.
• Avoid over-apologizing or mentioning what’s missing.
• Value the importance of planning and preparation, even if the original plan doesn’t work out, and understand the goals and themes of activities, rather than just focusing on the activities themselves.
• Radical acceptance and trust are key in co-facilitation, allowing each facilitator to bring their style and ideas.
• Having a process for planning and preparation is important for a successful program.
• Incorporating novel and unique aspects into a program can enhance engagement and create memorable experiences.
• Resilience and adaptability are essential qualities for facilitators to navigate setbacks and challenges.

Additional Resources

• Watch this episode on YouTube here.
• Connect with host and producer Phil Brown by…
  • Email – podcast@high5adventure.org
  • Instagram – @verticalplaypen