I never knew just how much facilitation came with the new job now over a year old. If I did I would have focused on things somewhat differently than I did. The result is that a year later I am none the wiser but I am closer to the destination that I originally set out to go towards.
Facilitation combines a reasonable knowledge about the subject, a willingness to lead a group in exploring, and a sense of the various paths available and where they might lead. When I work with groups I do not find it mandatory to follow a firm, resolute set of steps to achieve a specific goal. People are who they are with all their baggage, memories, and fears. They also come with a certain amount that they are willing to risk. Sometimes it is not much, and it certainly does not come wrapped in the same package, yet it seems that everyone is willing to risk something in order to be part of a group.
People will risk friendships in order to understand. Others are willing to challenge the status quo in order to have more confidence. Still others are willing to throw away everything to win. As a facilitator I always want to learn as quickly as possible just who is where and why; it seems to help get to the goal.
It would be easy to suggest that everything I have achieved this past year is the result of keen insight, disciplined leadership, and compassionate management. I may have moments but they have little to do with our success. The reason I know this is because of what happens every time I facilitate a group. Facilitation these days is Spirit led; end of story.
Do I understand the path? Only in broad terms.
Do I know where I am going? Only the destination.
Do I mind being out of control? “Good leadership is a channel of water controlled by God; he directs it to whatever ends he chooses.” (Proverbs 21.1)
As usual it all comes down to God trust.
