When does it make sense to use an external facilitator to help you navigate change?

Facilitation has become an increasingly important part of my work alongside executive coaching and change leadership consulting.

I am continually reminded that organisations rarely get stuck because they lack capable people. More often, they need a process that helps those capable people think together more effectively.

Last week, I had the opportunity to facilitate a full-day workshop for a Commonwealth Government agency. The key issue was responding to changing client needs, and planning for the next financial year.

As often happens, one of the first questions we discussed was:

"We generally don't use external facilitators. Why bring one in when we have capable leaders in the room?"

It's a fair question. Many leaders see facilitating important conversations as part of their responsibility.

And often it is. But there are situations where an external facilitator can create significantly more value.

For example:

• When leaders need to fully participate in the discussion rather than manage the process.

• When topics are sensitive, contentious or emotionally charged.

• When competing perspectives need to be surfaced safely.

• When trust between stakeholders needs rebuilding.

• When the organisation is navigating significant change.

• When the decisions being made will have long-term strategic consequences.

At its core, facilitation is about creating the conditions for people to do their best thinking together.

Facilitators are not consultants who tell people what to do.

They help groups assess where they're at, examine challenges, surface assumptions, set a vision, improve the quality of discussion and develop ownership of solutions.

The best facilitators leave the group with ownership of both the problem and the pathway forward.

One lesson I've learned over many years of leadership, facilitating and coaching is this:

The more important the conversation is, the more attention should be given to how that conversation is designed and facilitated.

Sometimes the most effective leadership move is not to lead the discussion. It is to create the conditions for others to contribute their best thinking.

If you're considering whether an external facilitator could add value to an upcoming workshop, strategy session or change initiative, feel free to reach out.

What factors would lead you to bring in an external facilitator?