Facilitator or Trainer?

I've seen a lot of "training" in my life: systems, processes, procedures, compliance. Most of us have. Most of it focused on surface learning and if there were no activities or hands-on application, I can assure you my mind was in another place. With a few very rare exceptions, I learned nothing until after the program and I could experiment and research on my own.

And then there are the true facilitators: they are not trying to be the "sage on the stage" because they are wise enough to know that there is wisdom already in the room. These folks know the destination of the learning, they can read the room and quickly pivot based on the needs of the group. They watch the energy and the body language; These folks aren't in it for the temporary positional power, they are in it for the discovery.

Knowing the Difference

Over the past few years I have noticed that many individuals are using these terms interchangeably: facilitator and trainer. The truly unfortunate part is that sometimes organisation are paying for a facilitated experience, but what they are getting is a training experience; a dogged following of the leader's guide. Using early session endings as a carrot to get favourable reviews on the "smile" sheets.

Facilitators, on the other hand, often negotiate reduced break times so the group can get more out of the day. They offer resources outside of the boilerplate curriculum. They make it work and their standards revolve around the transfer of learning.

Trainers are great for some purposes, but if you need true behavioural change, I suggest you seek a facilitator. #facilitation #leadershipdevelopment