Facilitator | Moderator & MC | Board The School for Moral Ambition | Licensee TEDxAmsterdam | Executive Leadership & (Cross team) Collaboration | Company Culture Architect | Remote & Hybrid Team Leadership
Lessons from Resistance - The Art of Facilitation One of the most challenging yet rewarding skills as a facilitator is learning to embrace resistance. During last year’s Art of Facilitation program, we explored this concept deeply—how to see resistance not as an obstacle but as an opportunity for growth and connection. Here’s what I’ve learned about handling resistance: - Understand its roots. Resistance often stems from fear, uncertainty, or feeling unheard. The first step is to truly listen—not just to what’s said but also to what’s unspoken. What might the resistance be protecting? - Stay radically neutral. Facilitators are not here to “fix” resistance or take sides. Instead, we create a space where all voices—including dissenting ones—feel respected and valued. This doesn’t mean being passive but holding space for authentic dialogue. - Lean into curiosity. Ask questions that invite exploration rather than defensiveness. For example, “What’s at stake for you in this situation?” or “What would success look like for you?” These questions can transform resistance into constructive participation. During our 4 day program, participants practised these real-life skills, using simulation games and dialogue frameworks like Deep Democracy to engage resistance with openness and skill. The results were transformative—not just for the groups they facilitated but also for themselves. How do you currently approach resistance if you’re a facilitator or someone who leads teams? What’s worked for you, and where do you still feel challenged? And.. if you are curious about our next cohort, sign up via the link here below and join us :)
Are you an internal changemaker? Looking for a new challenge in the new year? Join the Art of Facilitating! During a 4-day program over 2 months, we will guide you through different facilitation methods and frameworks that help overcome resistance and group insecurity, give space to the minority perspective, and help bring together conflicting interests in organizations. During this journey, you will connect with like-minded change-makers committed to organizational development and systems change. If that was not enough to convince you, the wonderful Daria Ofman and Salmaan Sana facilitate this program. We only have a few spots left! Head to our website for more information on how to sign up! https://lnkd.in/eX2QFeKh #TheArtOfFacilitating #Leadership #Changemaker
To my network: If you want to make 2025 a year when you up-skill in the Art of Facilitation don’t miss out on this amazing program! Taking part in one of the previous editions was truly transformative for me.
HR Interim & Consultancy
2moI can highly recommend this program to become a professional in facilitation!