complexity thinking • systems change • facilitation
facilitation capabilities
For us at resense360, facilitation is an intentional practice of being in relationship with what is unfolding. It is grounded in the ability to foster collective learning, adaptation, and transformation — and it is embedded in work across multiple levels: the self, the collective, and the wider system.
Recognizing that there is no one way to do systems change, facilitation as a systemic practice draws on multiple theories, approaches, frameworks, and tools from a variety of fields. Here, we have articulated a set of facilitation capabilities that guide our practice.
Facilitation capabilities refer to the skills, attitudes, and practices that enable a person (facilitator) to guide groups through complex processes while creating conditions for meaningful conversations, connection, learning, and collective action.
Recognizing that there is no one way to do systems change, facilitation as a systemic practice draws on multiple theories, approaches, frameworks, and tools from a variety of fields. Here, we have articulated a set of facilitation capabilities that guide our practice.
Facilitation capabilities refer to the skills, attitudes, and practices that enable a person (facilitator) to guide groups through complex processes while creating conditions for meaningful conversations, connection, learning, and collective action.
The word “capability” comes from the Latin root “capax”, meaning “able to hold or contain” or “having capacity”.
These capabilities are inspired by the work of Dr. Anna Birney, adrienne maree brown, Dr. Jean Boulton, Laura van Dernoot Lipsky, Myrna Lewis, Otto Scharmer, Laura Winn, and Payam Yuce Isik.
Engaging different perspectives
Ensuring that all voices can enter the conversation, even if they carry tension, contradiction, or emotion. Representing what is missing, surfacing “ghost roles” (unspoken and not openly recognized roles that influence group dynamics), and making space for alternative views.
Ensuring that all voices can enter the conversation, even if they carry tension, contradiction, or emotion. Representing what is missing, surfacing “ghost roles” (unspoken and not openly recognized roles that influence group dynamics), and making space for alternative views.
Generative listening
Listening beyond words to grasp the deeper essence of what is being expressed. It involves tuning into not just what the speaker says, but what they are trying to convey — sensing emerging ideas, connections, or future possibilities that haven’t yet fully taken shape.
Listening beyond words to grasp the deeper essence of what is being expressed. It involves tuning into not just what the speaker says, but what they are trying to convey — sensing emerging ideas, connections, or future possibilities that haven’t yet fully taken shape.
Spotting patterns
Noticing rhythms, dynamics, and structures that emerge over time and across different levels within complex social or natural systems.
Noticing rhythms, dynamics, and structures that emerge over time and across different levels within complex social or natural systems.
Staying neutral
Remaining unattached to any single perspective, role, or position. Staying open, curious, and non-judgmental. Being able to move fluidly between viewpoints and hold space for multiple truths without becoming defensive or directive.
Remaining unattached to any single perspective, role, or position. Staying open, curious, and non-judgmental. Being able to move fluidly between viewpoints and hold space for multiple truths without becoming defensive or directive.
Managing group energy
Paying attention to emotional, relational, and attentional energy in the group. Sensing where energy is flowing or stuck — and adjusting the process accordingly.
Paying attention to emotional, relational, and attentional energy in the group. Sensing where energy is flowing or stuck — and adjusting the process accordingly.
Providing framing
Stating where the process is, pointing to the different levels or aspects being addressed, supporting the group in choosing a direction, and demonstrating that you are holding the whole process for the group.
Stating where the process is, pointing to the different levels or aspects being addressed, supporting the group in choosing a direction, and demonstrating that you are holding the whole process for the group.
Practicing compassionate presence
Offering steady, nonjudgmental attention to what is unfolding — in yourself, others, and the group. Allowing others to have their full experience without being “saved” or interrupted.
Offering steady, nonjudgmental attention to what is unfolding — in yourself, others, and the group. Allowing others to have their full experience without being “saved” or interrupted.
Applying trauma-informed approach
Recognizing that individuals or groups may carry unresolved pain, stress, or wounding. Creating emotionally safe, respectful spaces where participation is possible with dignity and without retraumatization.
Recognizing that individuals or groups may carry unresolved pain, stress, or wounding. Creating emotionally safe, respectful spaces where participation is possible with dignity and without retraumatization.
Engaging with resistance
Recognizing, respecting, and engaging with the hesitation, pushback, or discomfort rather than trying to override or eliminate it.
Recognizing, respecting, and engaging with the hesitation, pushback, or discomfort rather than trying to override or eliminate it.
Navigating power dynamics
Recognizing, making space for, and skillfully navigating the visible and invisible ways power shows up in a group — so that participation is more equitable, and people feel seen, heard, and respected.
Recognizing, making space for, and skillfully navigating the visible and invisible ways power shows up in a group — so that participation is more equitable, and people feel seen, heard, and respected.
Download PDF with the full list of facilitation capabilities and their descriptions here.
self-check
You can self-assess your facilitation capabilities using this online form, which will generate a visual overview of your strengths across ten key dimensions.
Prefer to reflect offline? Download the printable template to use on your own or in group settings.
Prefer to reflect offline? Download the printable template to use on your own or in group settings.
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Zoya Lukyanova and Ruslan Kildeev for resense360.