Pick one of the dual role situations listed below. Discuss special challenges or confusion that occur because of the dual nature of those roles. How can these challenges be overcome?
- Facilitator vs. Subject Matter Expert
- Facilitator vs. Trainer
- Facilitator vs. Mediator
- Facilitator vs. Leader
I have chosen to discuss Facilitator vs. Leader as this is a role I have commonly played during my leadership roles at Vanguard. In my experience, trust is a major factor that could ultimately play a large or special challenge as often in the workplace, the leader is playing both roles. It is quite common to be discussing or leading sensitive topics with a team, often your own team. For example, Vanguard takes engagement very seriously – we strive for strong crew (employee) engagement and leaders are held accountable for a large portion of that engagement. Once survey’s are complete, it is not uncommon for that very leader to facilitate AND lead that discussion – regardless of the results. Does the team trust that leader? Will they openly share what they need? What they want? Will they feel psychologically safe to share what is truly on their mind. On the other side, I have been lucky enough to be an Engagement Consultant, leading and coaching leaders with low engagement on how to improve their teams. I saw firsthand the profound difference trust, relationships and safety play when the leader is in the room and when the leader is NOT in the room (especially for lower scores). It is tricky – for certain. I think how these challenges can be overcome is by providing a strong support system to a leadership team, especially when they are playing both roles. I was a fan and honored to be a consultant, as this was a wonderful way to support, teach and coach those leaders in need, as well as coach the teams to be candid and lead by example. Another way to overcome this challenge is to ask for a team volunteer or offer this role to an “aspiring” informal leader on the team. This is a wonderful way for them to build their leadership muscles and get some “at bat” moments of leading a group. I have witnessed and put this action into play many times and many of those crew are now prideful leaders themselves. #win
Lynda,
Thank you for focusing on trust as a facilitator and leader. You make some wonderful points and do a great job of bringing your real life experiences to this blog. Good Luck on your adventure back into the classroom!
Kris