Facilitating vs. Leading a Meeting
Picture this: you walk into a room of 15 to 20 people, or you’re logging into a virtual meeting and someone stands at the front of the room (or unmutes themselves on Zoom) and says, “I’m happy we’re all here today, and I want to make sure this meeting is interactive.”
We’ve all been there. And more often than not, when someone leads a meeting, it’s because they’ve been designated as the leader. But being the leader doesn’t automatically make someone a skilled facilitator or does it?
Let’s break down the difference and why it matters, especially in public health.
What Does It Mean to Lead a Meeting?
Leading a meeting typically includes practical responsibilities:
Hosting the meeting
Making sure everyone is present at the right time.
Guiding the group through the agenda.
Summarizing clear action items before the meeting ends.
Potentially facilitating a Q&A session.
Leaders often act as the “host” of the meeting and may also serve as the primary source of information: answering questions, directing the discussion, and guiding decisions. But it's important to consider the power dynamic at play: Who actually holds decision-making authority? Does the leader create space for participation and diverse perspectives or are they the sole decision-maker?
What Does It Mean to Facilitate?
Facilitation, on the other hand, is a skill rooted in its Latin origin, meaning “to make easier.” A facilitator’s role is to create a structured yet inclusive environment where:
All voices are heard and not just the loudest or most senior.
The group stays focused on clear outcomes.
Participants leave with a shared understanding and knowledge around a particular topic or issue.
Unlike a leader, a facilitator may have little or no personal involvement in the group’s work and acts as a neutral party, enabling the group to align on goals, make decisions, or move through a process collaboratively.
WhY Does the right approach matter in public health?
Public health thrives on diverse skill sets, knowledge, and perspectives. Whether you’re tackling structural inequities or designing community-based initiatives, ensuring all voices are heard is a non-negotiable. Facilitation also becomes more critical when navigating an increasingly complex landscape.
Consider this:
Complex issues require clarity. The challenges we face don’t often come with a clear path forward. They demand a thoughtful approach and the ability to guide a group through ambiguity.
Diverse viewpoints need structure. With so many perspectives in the room, we need intentional processes that ensure all ideas are heard and not just the loudest ones.
Psychological safety is key. People need to feel safe and supported in order to speak up, ask questions, and share honestly.
Belonging matters. Whether you're new to the team or a seasoned expert, facilitation helps create a sense of connection and shared purpose, regardless of age, tenure, or ability.
The pace of change is accelerating. The issues we’re tackling demand not only collaboration, but quick thinking, prioritization, and the ability to align around action.
Facilitation ensures these dynamics are balanced, leading to richer conversations and better outcomes. Facilitation isn’t just about running a better meeting, it’s about achieving better outcomes. Here’s why it matters in public health:
Enhanced Participation: Engaging all voices leads to more innovative and inclusive solutions.
Better Collaboration: Facilitators help bridge gaps between diverse viewpoints.
Equity and Inclusion: Marginalized voices are amplified, ensuring decisions reflect the needs of all communities.
Alignment on Goals: An intentional process ensures that a group aligns on the shared purpose or goals.
As we continue to face the pressing challenges within public health, a skilled facilitator can ensure that everyone’s perspective contributes to the solutions we need.
Key Features of a skilled facilitator
If you’re looking to improve your facilitation skills, or hire a facilitator, here are the essentials:
Define the Meeting’s Purpose: Make sure everyone understands why they’re there and what outcomes are expected.
Establish Ground Rules: Promote respectful discussions and handle differing opinions constructively.
Practice Active Listening and Empathy: Listen attentively and create a safe space for participants to share. Respond thoughtfully, even to unspoken concerns or hesitations.
Guide the Process, Don’t Drive Decisions: A facilitator helps the group navigate the agenda while avoiding overstepping as the decision-maker.
Empower Participants: Encourage open dialogue, foster engagement, and make space for everyone to contribute. Dare I say, have fun?
FINAL THOUGHTS
Next time you’re deciding whether you need a facilitator or a meeting leader, remember: facilitation brings structure, inclusion, and alignment to even the most complex conversations.
If you’re ready to learn more about facilitation or need support for your team, I would love to hear from you. Feel free to send me a message.
