More and more corporations, non-profits and government related organizations are utilizing the services of Meeting Facilitators.  They are finding that persons professionally trained and skilled to facilitate retreats, decision-making meetings, brainstorming sessions and planning processes can be extremely helpful.  These Facilitators not only have special skills, but they also bring objectivity to guiding the group process.

Q.  When should an organization contract a Meeting Facilitator?

A.  Several circumstances justify the utilization of a Meeting Facilitator.  Some of these include:

1.  When the organization has a chronic problem that needs to be solved.  The Facilitator can help design and guide a process that will result in creative solutions for difficult problems.

2.  When the organization needs to find a consensus on a difficult or controversial decision.  Consensus is not easy, but a skilled Meeting Facilitator can help create and manage group interaction so that an acceptable decision is reached and embraced by the vast majority of the group.

3.  When the organization needs to engage in a custom-designed, visionary, strategic planning process.  Organizational Health Associates consultants are skilled in numerous approaches to strategic thinking and are able to help leaders design the right customized process to accomplish the desired outcome.

4.  When the organization wishes to make a retreat experience a productive and meaningful time rather than just a "get away."  The Facilitator can work with leaders to plan and guide a retreat experience that will have impact on staff relationships and the future of the organization.

Q.  How does the process work?

A.  It is a seven-step process:

1.  The Meeting Facilitator meets with the client (organizational executive or management team) to help them clearly define their goals for the meeting or retreat.  A preliminary design will be developed.  This initial meeting is exploratory and is conducted at no charge to the client.

2.  The Facilitator develops a detailed proposal which serves as a contract with the organization.  The proposal states the meeting objectives as developed in conversation with leadership, the process to be guided by the Facilitator, and the cost of facilitation services.

3.  Once the proposal is accepted, the necessary preparation and preliminary work is done.

4.  The Facilitator works during the event in close consultation with the client to be sure that goals are being appropriately pursued and that the best possible use of time is being achieved.

5.  Following the meeting or retreat, the Facilitator writes a report describing what took place in the meeting and noting all the decisions that were made and any actions that were agreed upon.

6.  The report is received by the client and taken to whatever Board or official group needs to act to launch its implementation.

7.  The Facilitator stays in touch with the client following the acceptance of the report to be sure that progress is proceeding.

Q.  How much will it cost us to have a Meeting Facilitator?

A.  The cost, of course, varies according to the services desired and the amount of time required.  In general, a meeting that required the equivalent of one/half day of preparation and follow up and one/half day of actual meeting facilitation would cost $725.00.

Q.  What is the cost of a complete strategic planning process?

A.  The average amount of time required for designing and guiding a strategy development process is five to six days during an entire work period of three to four months.  Including the cost of materials and consulting services, it usually runs between $3,500.00 and $5,000.00.

Q.  What are the expected results of the typical strategic planning process?

A.  Usually the process produces the following:

1.  A simple, clear consensus statement of the purpose or mission of the organization.

2.  A vision statement that expresses the highest intention of the organization to be "all that it can be."

3.  A listing of the five to seven real core values that drive the organization.  These will be developed through research and verified for accuracy.

4.  A detailed listing of major intentions (goals) for the organization to accomplish in the next two to three years.

5.  Specific actions or tasks to be done to fulfill each intention.

6.  An implementation schedule that indicates accountability for the time frame for accomplishing goals, the specific actions required for them, the persons or groups responsible for goal achievement, and the standards by which success or failure will be measured.

Q.  Is there a process that can help an organization make a major, long-term, course-changing decision?

A.  Yes.  It is called "Multiple Scenario Planning."  Our senior consultant, Bob Perry, has written a book entitled Futuropting.  It applies scenario planning to help an organization make decisions about major issues such as relocation, merger and management succession.  OHA is available to facilitate this kind of creative, futuristic planning process.

To discuss your Retreat or Meeting Facilitation needs, contact:  

Dr. Robert L. Perry
Organizational Health Associates
P. O. Box 3
Willard, MO  65781
(417) 742-0991 or cell # (417) 880-4739
bob@organizationalhealth.org