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The year 2024 heralds a defining moment for leadership, where the ability to facilitate effectively, whether it be change, strategies, meetings, you name it, is no longer just an add-on but a cornerstone of excellent leadership. So stop, don’t pass go, don’t collect $200 until you’ve upped your facilitation game.
As we navigate our fifth historical workplace revolution, the difference between good and great leaders is increasingly marked by their skill in facilitation. This period demands leaders who can adeptly handle complex challenges, communicate effectively, and foster a collaborative environment. I truly feel the role of facilitation in leadership will be key to the ‘future of work’. Leaders are expected to not only keep pace with digital transformation and empathetic leadership practices but also to harness the power of Generative AI and any other revolutions that come up in the future. However, their pivotal role will be as adept facilitators, guiding their teams through ongoing changes on a path of collective success.
The pivotal role of facilitation In leadership
The transition from traditional leadership to a facilitation-centered approach is underpinned by a simple yet profound truth: excellent facilitation leads to excellent leadership leads to excellent results. This shift is crucial in creating an environment where teams can collaboratively solve problems, innovate, and design a better future. Not feeling sure about this? Research from the Center for Creative Leadership underscores this, indicating that organizations led by skilled facilitators are significantly more likely to outperform their rivals. Do we have your attention now?
Facilitation impacts business results The impact of facilitation on business performance is substantial and well-documented. A McKinsey study revealed that leaders who are strong facilitators not only improve decision-making processes but also double the chances of their organizations achieving above-average financial performance. They streamline key decision-making, reducing the time taken by as much as 20%. The average human makes on average 35,000 decisions a day. What leader won’t want to make fewer, better, and faster decisions?
Shorter and more effective meetings
The influence of facilitation extends to the efficiency of meetings and team interactions. Prior to the adoption of facilitative practices, meetings often stretched to lengthy durations. Post-implementation, McKinsey's findings showed an average reduction in meeting times of 30%, signaling a more efficient and productive approach to team engagements. Who doesn’t want fewer and more productive meetings?
As we look towards 2024, it's clear that the future of successful leadership is inextricably linked to the art of facilitation. Leaders who can effectively facilitate are setting the stage for their teams and organizations to not just adapt to change but to thrive amidst it. They are transforming leadership from a position of command to one of collaboration, driving innovation, and success in an ever-evolving business landscape. In the upcoming year and beyond, excellent facilitation isn't just a leadership skill—it's the hallmark of great leadership.
Hopefully, you’re asking yourself – ‘so how do I up my facilitation skills as a leader?’ Spoiler : Keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming blog where we share insights from three of our favorite leaders who embrace facilitation.