Dynamic Facilitation is an open, chaired group discussion with a variable number of participants, ideally between 8 and 20. The method relies on the participants' creativity in finding a solution, and deliberately avoids conventional, linear facilitation structures. Dynamic Facilitation is particularly suitable for issues such that the definition of the problem, the solutions tabled and the objections to these solutions arouse emotions in the participants. The method is used extensively in organizational and management consulting, but can be transferred to other areas. It was originally developed by Jim Rough in the USA.

Suitable

• for creative searching for solutions while developing mutual trust within a defined group
• where all the participants are genuinely anxious to achieve a solution
• where the issue is emotionally charged.

Sequence of Events

The following headings are written on four posters pinned up on the wall:

• Challenges / questions
• Solutions / ideas
• Concerns / objections
• Information / perspectives

Under the heading “Challenges / questions” the problem to be solved is described by means of questions of the form “How can we achieve xy?”

On the poster headed “Solutions / ideas” all the solutions put forward are described, regardless of which of the problems and issues listed they address.

Under “Concerns / objections” all the doubts that have already been expressed about the solutions suggested so far are collected . Here it is important to maintain a clear separation by means of two different posters: because of the physical space between, the solution is not devalued – but the doubts receive recognition, and the emotional component is taken into account.

All the other statements, facts, information and observations tabled by the participants are listed under “Information / perspectives”. Whether the various items collected here are true or false is of no importance in this context.

Throughout the entire process the facilitator adds appropriate notes to the four posters. Once all the problems, suggested solutions, objections and other comments that the participants have already brought into the process have been identified and entered on the posters, a kind of vacuum makes itself felt in the discussion: it is now possible to free oneself from the “straitjacket of thoughts”, and space opens up for something new to take shape. Now the creative potential within the group comes to the fore. However, if new problems, objections etc. emerge at a late stage, these are also listed on the four posters. The aim is not to discover an alternative solution A, B or C. Dynamic Facilitation is more about achieving a shared creative breakthrough that releases the tension within the group and is seen by all as the right way out.

Participants

Groups faced with a problem that does not have a single obvious solution, and for which the possible solutions suggested arouse strong emotions.

Points to note:

• If it is clear that only limited time is available, the method can still be employed, but there is a risk that no creative breakthrough will take place. In this case an attempt must be made to reach a decision by conventional means.
• All the participants should be present throughout the entire facilitation process.
• To track down objective solutions in emotionally low-key contexts, other creativity methods such as brainstorming are more suitable.