This essay discusses the seven essential facilitation ideas and methods, as well as the idea of personal space and its application. It is best practice for the team to have a clear understanding of the project objectives before rushing to begin the actual project work, get to know one another in terms of their strengths and weaknesses, and understand the project ground rules in order to increase the likelihood of project success while reducing conflicts. These are the seven key facilitation techniques, as described by Wong (2013), that are used within projects. Project teams need to handle processes one at a time in order to increase their efficiency and reduce misunderstanding between members. Before commencing a new process in the project, it is important that the previous process is closed so as not to divide the team between ongoing and closed processes.
Use process checks
Project teams need to understand that all processes do not work out as required. As such, they need to setup process checks to help them review processes in reference to the project objectives.
Agree on the 80/20 rule
Most project teams lose time trying to attain perfection in their processes. As such, it is good practice to determine the 80% success that is sufficient for project instead of losing the 80% of time trying to search for 20% solution success. This will enable the project to focus their time on other different issues.
Learn to park issues
For efficient project practice, it is important that the team learns to focus on discussions that try to solve the current problem at hand instead of spending time trying to solve problems that are required later in the life of the project.
Learn how to open and narrow thinking
During the project life, there may be times when narrow thinking within the project will be required compared to open thinking. This is in regard to solving current challenges within the project.
Break team stalemates
Sometimes, the team may be unable to come up with decisions. It is good project practice for the team to decide what is to be the alternative solution provider when stalemates arise within the team. This may lead to contracting an independent member who can assist the team in such situations.
Personal Space and Its Importance
DorisAnn (2006) describes personal space as the psychological and subconscious area that surrounds a person, in which he or she feels uncomfortable or reacts in some negative manner if someone enters it. Personal space varies depending on factors such as culture, individual orientation, and circumstances that a person is under. In addition, she acknowledges its importance as a significant factor in determining whether social interactions will be comfortable or successful. When associating with different people, it is important to be aware of not only our own personal spaces but those of others as well in order to show the appropriate sensitivity to other peoples' personal space expectations.
Conclusion
The seven facilitation techniques discussed in the paper are fundamental in guiding projects in order to ensure that they succeed as anticipated. The facilitation techniques guide the project in a stepwise manner from the preliminary phase to the completion stage by ensuring that the project sticks to its objectives. It is, though, crucial to keep the personal space of each employee involved in the project, so that the emotional atmosphere within the team was as much comfortable as possible. That will show a positive impact on the company's goals achievement.
References
DorisAnn (2006). What is “Personal Space” and Why is it Important? Retrieved on June 6, 2017 from http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/positive-thinking-discussions/lounge/3047616-what-is-personal-space-and-why-is-it-important
Wong, Z. (2013). Human factors in project management (1st ed.). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
