The 9 Disciplines of a Facilitator Leading Groups by Transforming Yourself

What takes place in the head and heart of an effective facilitative leader? How do they find the inner resources to draw upon? What is the source of their powerful effect on people and situations? The 9 Disciplines of a Facilitator examines these questions and explores the self-mastery it takes to become a great facilitator. Written by Jon and Maureen Jenkins, two of the long-term members of the International Association of Facilitators (IAF), this much-needed resource explains that facilitation is more than a process or a set of techniques for managing groups—facilitation is its own profession with its own set of disciplines that help define the facilitator's role. Throughout the book the authors detail the nine personal disciplines of effective facilitators: Detachment, Engagement, Focus, Awareness, Action, Presence, Interior Council, Intentionality, and a Sense of Wonder.

 

"Leaders who want to deepen their ethical leadership and facilitative practice will find tapping Jon and Maureen's wisdom, drawn from years of reflective practice, a powerful and provocative experience."
—Jo Nelson, CPF, CTF; principal, ICA Associates Inc.; and past chair, the International Association of Facilitators

"A trove of practical insight on leadership and personal development. Their illustrative stories bring the nine disciplines to life."
—Sandy Schuman, editor, The IAF Handbook of Group Facilitation, Creating a Culture of Collaboration, and Group Facilitation: A Research and Applications Journal; and moderator, the Electronic Discussion on Group Facilitation.

"A needed and timely push to facilitators in every part of the profession to acknowledge the deeper realities of what we do.  Facilitation is not just techniques but assisting individuals and groups to use the deeper resources they have within them to respond more effectively in day-to-day situations."
—James Wiegel, senior associate, the Institute of Cultural Affairs

"I have wrestled with conveying the unique attributes of an effective facilitation style.  This book goes a long way to filling that gap."
—Jim Troxel, Millennia Consulting

"The 9 Disciplines of a Facilitator covers facilitation comprehensively with a depth and practicality that makes it accessible to everyone in the profession."
—John L. Epps, managing director, LENS International, Malaysia

"The image of disciplines opens the door for understanding that facilitation skill is a pursuit or honing process, not a finished task. The diversity represented by the nine elements highlights the profound option of facilitation as a vocation."
—Lawrence E. Philbrook, executive director, ICA Taiwan; director, Open Quest Facilitation Technology

"It should be part of every leadership curriculum."
—Clarence J. Mann, professor and director, Institute for Global Management, University of Maryland University College