Facilitation Planning Manual

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A facilitation planning manual should detail every step of the process in planning for a
facilitated event, whether a workshop, formal training, or some other learning event. Facilitation
planning requires an outlined, step by step process that allows the facilitator(s) to analyze how,
what, when, where, and who will be involved. The steps of planning that may be an integral
part of a planning manual are listed below:
The first phase of facilitation planning is the preparation process.
1. Deciding on a planning model (system or person-centered)
2. Preparation checklist
3. Arrange/Plan for how the activity will be facilitated (considering who will attend, why they will attend, and resources required)
4. Brush up/practice facilitator skills
5. Invite key personnel to planning meeting
6. Summarize details and plans resolved during the meeting and share with attendees

The next phase of facilitation planning is actually carrying out the plan

1. Introduction of key facilitators
2. Ice breaker question or activity
3. Break-out group sessions (sharing of information, ideas)
4. Tactical session (apply what was learned, discussed, possible solutions)
5. Post-conference (consolidate, summarize knowledge and learning)
The final phase of facilitation planning is the gathering of data to determine how successful the learning or training event has been and to help revise portions of the event if necessary
1. Gather post-survey/suggestions data
2. Analyze data
3. Present findings to planning committee

Planning Preparation
Deciding on a Planning Model
Choosing a planning model is necessary to help support the process and determine which
model is most relevant to the situation. A systems approach focuses on developing a limited
number of programs. A person centered model considers all possibilities for current need and for
the future. A systems centered model focuses on resources and strategies, while a person
centered approach focuses on desired outcomes and meaningful experiences. Systems centered
models are used to satisfy organizational requirements. Person centered models focus on the
needs of people within the organization (Amado & McBride, 2013). The model chosen will
depend on several factors: The nature of training, purpose of training, and possibly on the
characteristics of those attending the event. If training must be facilitated to improve employee
skills, for example and will occur in small groups, it may be possible to use a person-centered
approach, where guidelines are met but those in training set their own goals for learning and
performance. If training is facilitated to support a new process or procedure within the
organization a systems centered approach is more suitable, due to the specific and identifiable
goals for facilitating the training.
Preparation Checklist
A checklist for the facilitator is used to help organize thoughts and resources for a
planning meeting. At this point, it is not used for planning the actual event. The checklist
can detail resources needed for the meeting, points of discussion for the meeting, and
possibly the activities involved in setting up the meeting, such as inviting necessary or desired
attendees, checking ...