Will I finally endorse my clients' favorite presentation stance? Find the answer here! |
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Facilitation Skills: Is Silence Consent?
 "In many workplaces, speaking freely is risky. Power differences and habits of passivity lead many people to stay silent." Miki Kashtan
Which question below better elicits input?
"Is there anyone who's not ready for us to sign this contract?" or
"Does anyone have concerns they would like addressed before we sign this contract?"
The second question, taken from a real-life situation written up in the New York Times, encourages the honesty and openness that is essential for collaboration. Yet many leaders regularly use the first type. It is designed to to minimize dissent (only the brave will speak up!)
When facilitating meetings, ask open-ended questions.Welcome disagreement. Doing so helps support an environment where speaking freely is safe. A solution that all team members support is worth the effort.
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 Two Winners of the "Octopus Hook" Contest
Linda Mathews, of Simpson Lumber Company, and
Robin Beerbower, of Salem Public Library, BOTH win $20 Starbucks cards for their innovative uses of the fact below. Linda will use it in her United Way presentations, and Robin uses it to train librarians when they get the dreaded "Can you help me find a good book?" question.
Here's the fact again. How could YOU use it to develop an upcoming Hook? Let me know!
Fact: Scientists have discovered that when faced with danger, the octopus wraps six of its legs around its head to disguise itself as a fallen coconut shell. It then escapes by walking backwards on the other two legs.
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