Exploring the Power of Facilitation in Leadership and Teams w/ Dr. Myriam Hadnes

In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership podcast, hosted by Anthony Taylor, Dr. Myriam Hadnes delves into the transformative power of facilitation in organizational settings. Dr. Hadnes, a seasoned facilitator and founder of the 'Never Done Before' community, shares her journey from academia to becoming a recognized expert in facilitation. With her PhD in behavioral economics and years of global experience, she provides a unique perspective on how to create engaging and productive environments through facilitation.

Dr. Hadnes emphasizes the importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and psychological safety in facilitation. She discusses how removing hierarchies and promoting a culture of curiosity and open communication can lead to remarkable outcomes for teams. The conversation touches on key facilitation strategies, the difference between facilitation and consulting, and practical tips on improving team dynamics. With a focus on real-world applications, this episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to enhance their organization's collaborative processes.

Key Takeaways:

• The Role of a Facilitator: A facilitator's job is to create an environment where participants can collaborate effectively, focusing on process ownership rather than dictating outcomes.
• Authenticity and Vulnerability: Effective facilitation requires authenticity from the facilitator, which in turn encourages participants to be open and vulnerable, fostering trust and collaboration.
• Psychological Safety: Building a culture of psychological safety is crucial for productive team dynamics. This involves being open to questions, admitting uncertainties, and valuing each participant's input.
• Preparation and Adaptability: Thorough preparation and the ability to adapt to the group's needs on the spot are key to successful facilitation.
• Human-centric Approach: Recognizing and addressing the human elements within teams can significantly improve organizational outcomes and overall job satisfaction.

Notable Quotes:

1. "The group owns the result. That's very different to a consultant." - Dr. Myriam Hadnes
2. "Every manager needs to learn how to facilitate to step out of micromanaging and into true leadership." - Dr. Myriam Hadnes
3. "Authenticity breeds trust." - Dr. Myriam Hadnes
4. "It's dangerous to think you need to have all the answers; it means you hired the wrong people." - Dr. Myriam Hadnes
5. "A good facilitator makes the implicit explicit." - Dr. Myriam Hadnes

0:00 Facilitation Evangelist Dr. Myriam Hadnes Joins Strategy and Leadership Podcast 0:55 The Journey from Academia to Facilitation 6:38 The Inner Work of Effective Facilitation 9:05 Effective Facilitation: Flattening Hierarchies and Humanizing Participants 12:31 Authenticity and Trust in Leadership and Facilitation 13:30 Effective Facilitation: Balancing Process, People, and Real-Time Needs 18:19 The Power of Vulnerability and Authenticity in Team Dynamics 24:55 Imposter Syndrome and Psychological Safety in Academic and Managerial Settings 26:39 The Importance of Psychological Safety in Organizations 28:56 Facilitation Mindset: Unlocking Team Potential and Leadership

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SME Strategy is a management consulting firm that specializes in helping organizations develop and implement their strategic plans. We work with teams to facilitate conversations about strategic direction and business strategy so that our clients can focus their energy on what will move them forward faster.

► Work with us: Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator

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