Facilitator Qualities

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Many people can assume the role of coordinator, but few have all the necessary

qualities to perform as the facilitator. With input from management, the coordinator

should choose the facilitator. The choice should be carefully made, based on the

qualities required of a facilitator.

4.5 Facilitator Qualities. The facilitator's role during TTTD will be to serve as a process

expert who facilitates the sessions but does not provide technical input for the training

program content. Successful facilitation hinges on three factors: interpersonal skills,

expertise in content analysis and design process, and possession of special skills

associated with facilitating the design effort of the training program. At a minimum, the

facilitator should be extremely familiar with task, document, and design processes.

Preferably, the facilitator should be qualified to facilitate TTTD through training and

practical experience.

This Handbook can serve as a self-study guide to help the facilitator gain the

knowledge needed for the special skills shown below.

Special Skills Required of TTTD Facilitators

Expertise in task and document analysis processes

Expertise in training program content design process

Expertise in the table-top design method

Skill in nominal group techniques

Skill in questioning techniques

The ability to act as a process expert who leads and controls the process but

allows team members to act as content experts who make content judgments and

decisions

Skill in small-group dynamics

Skill in obtaining small-group consensus

The ability to establish and maintain the team's pace, balance, and participation

The ability to recognize poorly written or vague learning objectives and help the

team select the most appropriate action verbs, task statement modifiers, and

nouns

4.6 Planning the Session. Proper planning will help ensure a successful and productive

TTTD session. Major areas of concern in pre-session planning include: (a) securing

management's approval and support, (b) involving appropriate staff in the planning

process, and (c) developing a schedule of major events and activities. Normally, the

TTTD coordinator is responsible for initiating the planning process and making the

necessary arrangements, however, the coordinator must gain the understanding,

support, and commitment to the entire process of the people involved.

Secure Management Approval. Since the design process being implemented

4.6.1

involves facility personnel, it is important to communicate the purpose and

secure commitment to the process and its end products of all affected