Facilitation of Consensus-Building Processes

More and more public and private entities are beginning to see the value of using neutral Facilitators to assist groups in reaching consensus. The “old-style approach” to negotiation of the bigger or more powerful organization simply swooping in and taking over no longer works. People are more aware of the power of relationships, the necessity to build lasting coalitions, and the desire to have a reputation for professionalism in conducting negotiations as well as in producing goods or providing services

As a consequence of this changing consciousness, people are beginning to demand that attention be paid to process as well as to content in negotiations. Nowhere is this more evident than in the public sector, where government is beginning to take full advantage of outside facilitators to assist in stakeholder meetings and negotiations. Skilled facilitators help keep meetings on track by having rules for participation, they allow all stakeholders (including the convenors) to participate fully, and they bring objectivity and even-handedness to the way the meetings themselves are run.

Facilitation may be useful in negotiated rulemaking, in resolving specific conflict or organizing coalitions, and in crafting legislative proposals. In all cases, facilitation may assist in all sides developing a better understanding of the others’ perspectives. This may be very useful in the long term as negotiations and implementation of agreements often continue over months and years.