The clichés of average facilitation

Despite all the advice on how to lead better meetings, we still see many behaviours and clichés that stop, block and slow group progress.

By using a cliché or common saying we might be trying to make things happen quicker.

But some clichés cause problems. They can kill collaboration, smash diversity and slow up progress. Usually the reverse of what we’re aiming to do!

Here are 10 workshop & meeting clichés I see and hear way too often:

1. Would you take the notes please (insert woman's name)

2. I hear what you’re saying but...

3. Let’s car park it

4. Let’s take it offline

5. What do others think?

6. We need to move on

7. Are we all in agreement then?

I know I promised 10 clichés but there are only 8 because...

8. We've run out of time! Leader as Facilitator: whether it's a leadership position, title, role or responsibility, or a mindset and way of working, leaders have incredible opportunities to build engagement, gather diverse views and get important work done via facilitation.

Avoid clichés. Keep conversations going, building engagement - be anti-cliché.