Click here for a full transcript of the episode.

Facilitation is an essential skill in the workplace. You may not be thinking of yourself as a facilitator, but we’re facilitating in one-on-one meetings, small groups, training, retreats, and more. It’s not just about keeping everyone on track; it’s about creating an environment where people feel heard, ideas are exchanged freely, and outcomes are achieved with clarity and purpose.

There’s a difference between presenting and facilitating. As a presenter, you’re the “sage on the stage,” an expert delivering your subject matter expertise to the audience. As a facilitator, you’re the “guide on the side,” walking alongside people and having a conversation with them. When facilitating, you should spend 70% of the time letting participants activate in some way and only 30% of the time sharing content, context, storytelling, and setting the stage.

It’s important to make connections with people first—greet them, shake hands, welcome them, etc. This makes people more likely to engage in your program. Think of facilitation like being a camp counselor; you wouldn’t just take campers to look at and talk about the horses, ropes course, or art room, but would give them the opportunity to interact and experience things.

In this episode’s listener question, we’re asked about recommendations for employers that don’t have the budget for childcare options. In the news, we discuss the 2024 book The Generous Leader by Joe Davis.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Purple Ink
• Susan Tinder White Consulting
• SHRM credit evaluation – the SHRM credit code for this episode will expire on September 22, 2026
• JoyPowered® Patreon Page
• JoyPowered® on LinkedIn
• JoyPowered® on Instagram
• Email JoyPowered®

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