How do you set boundaries for your facilitation role?

1 Define your scope

Before you start facilitating a large group session, you need to define your scope of work and clarify what you can and cannot do as a facilitator. For example, you may need to specify that you are not a subject matter expert, a decision maker, a mediator, or a therapist, and that your role is to guide the process, not the content or the outcome. You may also need to establish the duration, frequency, and format of your facilitation, and the resources and support you require. By defining your scope, you can set realistic expectations and avoid taking on tasks or roles that are beyond your capacity or authority.

2 Establish ground rules

Another way to set boundaries for your facilitation role is to establish ground rules for the large group session, and ensure that everyone agrees and adheres to them. Ground rules are norms or principles that govern how the participants interact with each other and with you as the facilitator. For example, some common ground rules are to respect different perspectives, listen actively, speak one at a time, avoid interruptions or distractions, and keep confidentiality. By establishing ground rules, you can create a respectful and constructive atmosphere, and address any issues or conflicts that may arise during the session.

3 Manage your energy

Facilitating a large group session can be physically, mentally, and emotionally draining, especially if you have to deal with complex or sensitive topics, diverse or conflicting views, or challenging or disruptive behaviors. Therefore, you need to manage your energy and take care of yourself before, during, and after the session. For example, you may need to prepare well, get enough rest, eat well, hydrate, take breaks, delegate tasks, ask for feedback, and debrief. By managing your energy, you can maintain your focus, enthusiasm, and resilience, and avoid exhaustion, stress, or frustration.

4 Seek support

You don't have to facilitate a large group session alone. You can seek support from other facilitators, co-facilitators, assistants, mentors, coaches, or peers who can help you plan, execute, evaluate, and improve your facilitation. You can also seek support from the participants and stakeholders who can share their needs, expectations, insights, and suggestions for the session. By seeking support, you can leverage the collective wisdom and experience of others, and enhance your learning and growth as a facilitator.

5 Communicate clearly

Communication is key to setting boundaries for your facilitation role. You need to communicate clearly and consistently with the participants and stakeholders about your role, scope, ground rules, expectations, goals, agenda, methods, outcomes, and feedback. You also need to communicate clearly and respectfully with yourself about your strengths, weaknesses, values, emotions, and needs as a facilitator. By communicating clearly, you can build trust, rapport, and alignment with others, and express your boundaries in a positive and professional way.

6 Review and adjust

Setting boundaries for your facilitation role is not a one-time event. It is an ongoing process that requires you to review and adjust your boundaries according to the changing context, needs, and challenges of the large group session. You may need to revisit your scope, ground rules, energy, support, and communication strategies periodically and make changes as needed. You may also need to solicit and incorporate feedback from the participants and stakeholders on how you are facilitating and how you can improve. By reviewing and adjusting your boundaries, you can adapt to the dynamic and complex nature of large group facilitation, and enhance your performance and satisfaction.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?