In today's fast-paced business world, where strategy and leadership are constantly evolving, the art of facilitation is becoming increasingly vital. In a recent episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, host Anthony Taylor had the pleasure of chatting with Myriam Hadnes, a passionate advocate for facilitation and a PhD in behavioral economics. Myriam's unique journey—from an academic in behavioral economics to a highly sought-after facilitator—offers deep insights into the transformative power of facilitation in organizations.
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A Facilitator's Journey
Myriam's path to becoming a facilitator was far from traditional. She began her career in academia, finding herself teaching behavioral economics in Vietnam. It was there that she inadvertently stepped into the role of a facilitator. Faced with students who had already mastered the textbook, she realized that the standard teaching methods weren't enough. To truly engage them, she turned to creative approaches like classroom experiments and role-playing. This was the first spark of the facilitator within her.
After returning to Europe and working in university strategy, Myriam eventually found herself drawn fully into facilitation, although she didn't initially recognize it by that name. Her "aha" moment came when someone offered to pay her to design a workshop, leading her to discover the field of facilitation through Priya Parker's work. Since then, Myriam has fully embraced her role as a facilitator, even founding a community called "Never Done Before," where facilitators can experiment and innovate together.
Facilitation: Mastering the Art of Guiding
Throughout the conversation, a key distinction emerged between facilitation and consulting. Myriam explained that while facilitators are responsible for guiding the process, it's the group that owns the outcome. This sets facilitation apart from consulting, where the consultant often delivers solutions. Facilitation, on the other hand, demands a deep curiosity and a commitment to letting the group find its own answers.
Myriam also highlighted the importance of "flattening the room"—removing hierarchies to help participants see each other as equals and foster genuine connections. These elements are essential for creating an environment where everyone feels safe to share, ask questions, and collaborate meaningfully.
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Navigating Group Dynamics and Challenges
Facilitation is about more than just guiding a group through a process—it's about addressing the human dynamics that can either help or hinder collaboration. Myriam shared a striking example of a workshop where participants from different organizations initially blamed each other for a project's failure. Through a series of one-on-one conversations and group discussions, she helped shift the focus from blame to shared responsibility, enabling the group to move forward productively.
This ability to navigate interpersonal challenges is what distinguishes a great facilitator. It's not just about following a script; facilitators must be sensitive to the group's needs, ready to adapt as needed, and capable of holding space for tough conversations.
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The Inner Work of Facilitation
One of the most profound parts of the discussion was Myriam's emphasis on the inner work that facilitation requires. Leading others effectively starts with leading oneself—managing one's own biases, judgments, and emotions, and being fully present and authentic. A facilitator's authenticity not only builds trust but also sets the tone for the entire group.
Myriam's approach to facilitation is deeply informed by her understanding of human behavior, which she has developed over years of academic study and hands-on experience. She underscored the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in creating psychological safety, a crucial ingredient for any team to thrive.
Final Thoughts
In a world where the human side of business is often overlooked, Myriam Hadnes's insights serve as a powerful reminder of the value of facilitation in unlocking the potential of teams and organizations. Facilitation is more than just a skill—it's an art that requires a deep understanding of human behavior, a commitment to authenticity, and the ability to navigate complex group dynamics.
For leaders and facilitators alike, Myriam's journey offers valuable lessons in the importance of holding space, fostering psychological safety, and embracing vulnerability. As organizations continue to navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected landscape, the role of facilitation will only become more crucial in achieving meaningful and lasting outcomes.
About SME STRATEGY CONSULTING:
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.