The Skilled Facilitator

Rating:
Summary: Rated Best By Facilitators
Review: As a new entry to the facilitation field, I wanted to find out what the industry thought was the BEST resource for combining theory with the practices of facilitation. I submitted my request to [e-mail], which, as far as I know, is the largest online discussion forum for active, professional facilitators. Roger Schwartz's book, "The Skilled Facilitator" was by far the favorite choice of people in the profession. I am ordering my copy now!

Rating:
Summary: Rated Best By Facilitators
Review: As a new entry to the facilitation field, I wanted to find out what the industry thought was the BEST resource for combining theory with the practices of facilitation. I submitted my request to [e-mail], which, as far as I know, is the largest online discussion forum for active, professional facilitators. Roger Schwartz's book, "The Skilled Facilitator" was by far the favorite choice of people in the profession. I am ordering my copy now!

Rating:
Summary: Not An Entry Level Facilitation Book
Review: I picked up this book because I needed to read up on how better to sell facilitation and exactly what facilitators should be doing. This book explains this and more. However, if you are looking for a simple overview of what a facilitator should, could and would do incertain situations, this is NOT your book. If you are a manager trying to be a better facilitator, do not buy this book unless you want in-depth information.

That said, if you are a facilitator looking to improve your skills, combine theory and practice or simply go back to the basics of what makes some facilitators great, this is your book.
Also, if you are a manager who really wants to become an effective facilitator/mentor, this is your book. But don't think that you can simply read the material and be more effective. The ideas and theory will take practice. Luckily, the book also gives many examples to make the ideas and theories practical and concrete.

As I said, I bought it to become better at selling professional facilitation. It gave me that and much more. I will keep it as an invaluable resource and make sure all of my facilitators utilize the practices described in detail.

Rating:
Summary: Not An Entry Level Facilitation Book
Review: I picked up this book because I needed to read up on how better to sell facilitation and exactly what facilitators should be doing. This book explains this and more. However, if you are looking for a simple overview of what a facilitator should, could and would do incertain situations, this is NOT your book. If you are a manager trying to be a better facilitator, do not buy this book unless you want in-depth information.

That said, if you are a facilitator looking to improve your skills, combine theory and practice or simply go back to the basics of what makes some facilitators great, this is your book.
Also, if you are a manager who really wants to become an effective facilitator/mentor, this is your book. But don't think that you can simply read the material and be more effective. The ideas and theory will take practice. Luckily, the book also gives many examples to make the ideas and theories practical and concrete.

As I said, I bought it to become better at selling professional facilitation. It gave me that and much more. I will keep it as an invaluable resource and make sure all of my facilitators utilize the practices described in detail.

Rating:
Summary: What Facilitates Facilitator?
Review: Many who want to be skillful facilitators are in a way "misled" by consultants, trainers or books on facilitation in the sense that techniques and recipes are cited and taught.

With many techniques and methodologies delivered, honest "facilitators" sense that they are not getting there - people do not get engaged, people among themselves are not connected.

Roger Schwarz, in his book "The Skilled Facilitator" shows that there is more to techniques, theories and methodologies. The very thinking, motives or mental models of the "facilitator" is an important part of the chemistry of the whole group.

By QuaSyLaTic, Andrew
http://www.360q.com


Rating:
Summary: Facilitation is coming of age
Review: Roger Schwarz is one of the leading thinkers in the newly emerging field of facilitation. He brings insight and depth to group processes. He is concerned with the health functioning of groups in organisations. The Skilled Facilitator provides both the beginner and the expert insights into providing quality facilitation of group processes. As facilitation becomes more and more recognized as a profession, Schwarz will be acknowledge as one of the real pioneers in the field.

Rating:
Summary: Facilitation is coming of age
Review: Roger Schwarz is one of the leading thinkers in the newly emerging field of facilitation. He brings insight and depth to group processes. He is concerned with the health functioning of groups in organisations. The Skilled Facilitator provides both the beginner and the expert insights into providing quality facilitation of group processes. As facilitation becomes more and more recognized as a profession, Schwarz will be acknowledge as one of the real pioneers in the field.

Rating:
Summary: Make it easy on yourself!
Review: Roger's book is a unique hybrid of theory, practical exercises, examples, and personal stories. It works! The art and science of facilitation (to make easy or easier) is presented clearly, concisely, and completely. And, that is what I enjoyed about Roger's book so much. He gives it to you with "the bark on." He makes you aware of the good, the bad, and the ugly relative to the practice of facilitation.

I had used this book for several years in my work as a trainer, facilitator, and manager. Then, I had the pleasure to attend a workshop conducted by Roger. He lives what he teaches. While I was fortunate enough to have my company pay for the workshop, it is one of only three workshops I have ever attended that I feel like I would pay my own money to attend.

Keep this book nearby. It is THE best read on this subject out there.

Rating:
Summary: Make it easy on yourself!
Review: Roger's book is a unique hybrid of theory, practical exercises, examples, and personal stories. It works! The art and science of facilitation (to make easy or easier) is presented clearly, concisely, and completely. And, that is what I enjoyed about Roger's book so much. He gives it to you with "the bark on." He makes you aware of the good, the bad, and the ugly relative to the practice of facilitation.

I had used this book for several years in my work as a trainer, facilitator, and manager. Then, I had the pleasure to attend a workshop conducted by Roger. He lives what he teaches. While I was fortunate enough to have my company pay for the workshop, it is one of only three workshops I have ever attended that I feel like I would pay my own money to attend.

Keep this book nearby. It is THE best read on this subject out there.

Rating:
Summary: The bible for facilitators and mentors
Review: Schwarz, Roger, M. (1994). The Skilled Facilitator, San Francisco, California: Jossey-Bass Inc.,Publishers.

C.E.Vajko ([e-mail]) March 14, 1999.

The author integrates the theory and practice of group facilitation in a simple and structured sequence. A work that could serve both the practitioner and the practical scholar. The book includes examples of how to and how not to apply the principles of practice in a mentorship program. It includes examples of effective and ineffective facilitation. The examples of actual dialogue given by the author give the reader an excellent insight to how some facilitators intervene. Step by step instructions for group facilitation, and resources that can be used effectively between facilitator and client are given. The book is strong in group facilitation principles to improve problem solving and decision making.

Managers of group and/or organizations, group consultants, facilitators, or those that want to become facilitators or organization development consultants could benefit from this book. Basically this book is for anyone that wants to improve their professional effectiveness in any field.

The book addresses an area that is important for mentors as well as facilitators working with large groups of people. Communication, conflict management, problem solving, decision making, boundary management, motivating task, clear goals, are just a few of the areas that are covered. I found this book delivers what it promises. I give it a 5 star.