A successful engagement is when, at the end of the day, participants believe that they achieved the outcomes by themselves.  Our job is to help you figure out the conversations that you need to have, the questions you need to discuss and the structure to achieve your desired outcomes.

 

Facilitation
Facilitation

At Skillful Facilitation, we  design meetings to help you achieve your desired outcomes.  We believe that the design is equally important to the facilitation, so we design activities that engage people - working in large and small groups, using right-brain activities such as photos or drawing a timeline on the wall - anything to stimulate their creative thinking.    

Our goal:  Collaboration, taking everyone's input and wisdom and creating a solution that's greater than the sum of the parts - a solution that no one person could have come up with alone.  Not only do people leave with action plans for sustainable change, the group also learns tools to improve the way they work together.  At a recent retreat, one participant remarked:  That was pretty slick the way you got us talking to each other.

 

prgrsvimghttp://ts1.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.4554126741538626&w=103&h=103&c=8&pid=3.1&qlt=90Abby and her associates keenly understand group dynamics and can help a group get unstuck.  We can anticipate the needs of the group and change course in the moment, depending on the group's needs.   We also have expertise in designing and facilitating virtual meetings, with people in multiple locations.

 

Contact Abby if you want to have conversations that lead to insight and inspiration, that result in a sustainable action plan with maximum buy-in.    Email Abby

 
Facilitation Training and Coaching

Do you have this experience with staff or board meetings? 

  • Do you have trouble engaging staff in your meetings?
  • Are people reluctant to assume responsibility for certain tasks?
  • Do you struggle with getting buy-in for decisions made in meetings?
  • Do people leave meetings without understanding the decisions that have been made and what tasks everyone is charged with?

 

Stop wasting your time with unproductive meetings. Your don't want your staff to feel frustrated that they don't get to contribute their ideas. You can't afford the low morale that results from frustration over meetings and confusion about decisions and action plans.

 

Abby and her associates can train you to design more interactive meetings, to clarify the decision-making process, and to get buy-in to decisions. We can coach you on effective facilitation, so you'll never again waste your time on meetings. 

Testimonials

Abby did an outstanding job in facilitating a Visioning session for our leadership team. She prepared well and was able to manage the flow of ideas throughout the day. In particular, Abby was adept at bringing the day to closure in an effective manner.

Director, International Business School


Thank you for your help at the retreat for our senior leadership team. I don't think we could have done it without you.

CEO, Workforce Development Organization


I hired Abby for a consultation on the design of a session with a senior leadership team.  I decided to call Abby because I've seen how skilled she is in the design of facilitation events.  I was so right in making this call!  Abby was an excellent thought partner and coach.  She asked provocative and valuable questions and helped me look at both the internal (my own thinking) and external challenges related to this session.  Together, in a few short hours, we put together an awesome facilitation plan.  Abby should be your Go-To thought partner to help in designing a program.

CS, Executive Coach

 

There are several times that I have participated in meetings that were facilitated by Abby Yanow. She stands out in the facilitation field due to her extraordinary talent and experience.  Abby brings out the best in a group by doing the following:

  • Prepares the content and designs the sequence of events to maximize effectiveness
  • Is a superb and patient listener
  • Radiates calm, confidence and energy at the same time
    Partners seamlessly with other presenter/facilitators
  • Deeply understands human dynamics and what can be accomplished in a meeting
  • Keeps the group's needs above her own
  • Is  willing to change course when a shift is needed.

I very much look forward to participating in any future workshops that Abby offers.

SF,  Corporate Consultant & Executive Coach