Preparation

• Understand mission of group
• Design an efficient process
• Schedule appropriate time for important issues

Atmosphere

• Establish comfortable and relaxed venue
• Provide light meals and refreshments

Neutrality

• Support minority opinions
• Encourage dialogue and compromise

Procedures

• Clarify role of facilitator
• Establish time frame for addressing issues

Fairness

• Elicit input from all participants
• Ensure attendee satisfaction
• Stifle dominance by any one person

Meeting Management

• Maintain focus
• Provide good reference material
• ‘Scout’ where dialogue is going
• Summarize results continually

Encouragement

• Serve as cheerleader to encourage and support
• Help the shy to participate confidently

Substance

• Keep to specifics and practical results
• Ensure objectives are met
• Consider implementation steps

Recording

• Use flip chart to keep important notes and points
• Refer to accumulating record
• Prepare final report on session

Satisfaction

• Evaluate with participants regarding satisfaction on process, substance and participation