Essential Qualities of an E-Facilitator

E-facilitation is not an easy task. While many people feel that conducting such meetings are easy but it is not so. There are some qualities which a good e-facilitator must have and which separates that individual from a bad e-facilitator.

Some of the essential qualities of a good e-facilitator are mentioned below.

An unbiased perspective

One of the greatest qualities needed during e-facilitation is an unbiased perspective. It is not at all good to have a facilitator who had made up his mind earlier and leads the discussion to a pre-planned conclusion. This can be tricky because the participants may feel threatened and uncomfortable about sharing their opinions. If the topic that is being discussed is complex or sensitive, having an unbiased e-facilitator is the best way to voice your opinions. An unbiased leader leads to the creation of a neutral zone where alternative points of view can be shared and debated in a constructive manner.

Sensitive to the feeling of the participants

Sensing how people react to, feel and understand a situation is very important to becoming a good e-facilitator. Good e-facilitation means creating an atmosphere of trust and respect among the participants. If this is not done, there may be participants in the group who may silently withdraw from the discussion or even from the group. To prevent that one must always be careful about the feelings of the participants.

Ability to listen

One good quality of e-facilitator is the ability to listen to the needs of the participants. This can be done by understanding the meaning of the words and also by the tone that they are meaning. Active listening must be practised by an e-facilitator so that the person may repeat, directly respond or even sum up to ensure the meaning of the participant’s words. 

Tact

E-facilitation also requires that the e-facilitator must take strict or uncomfortable actions for the betterment of the group. One must be able to do so carefully and even with diplomacy. The facilitator must use good tact so that the participants can engage and participate to get the most out of the session. A capable facilitator must be able to produce a good atmosphere and make the most out of these discussions. 

Sense of timing

The e-facilitator must have the sense of time so that the person knows when to end a discussion or change a topic or when to cut off someone who has talked for a long time.

Sense of Humour

An ability to laugh at the little ironies of life is also an essential quality of a good e-facilitator. The ability to share laughter enhances the experience for everyone talking in the group.

Commitment to collaboration

Collaborative learning can be frustrating at times. But the willingness to share facilitation leads to effective discussion. In such situations, it is better to know how to play the role of a facilitator well.

Having these qualities is beneficial if one wants to pursue e-facilitation as a career.