You have identified a situation you want to improve and you realize you need a professional facilitator to help you.
This is what you have to think before looking for a professional facilitator:
1. NAME – Give your situation a name. This will help you have a better view of your own frame of reference and sometimes on your emotions.
2. OPTIMAL OUTCOME – What needs you have: you, participants and stakeholders? What would an optimal outcome look like to you in your situation, on short term and on long term.
3. STAKEHOLDERS – Who are the 3-5 key stakeholders involved in this case? Think about the role they play, their culture and their personal style.
4. ISSUES – What are the 5 most important specific issues affecting this situation/outcome?