Facilitation

Process oriented facilitation

Process oriented conflict facilitation, otherwise known as Worldwork, is the foundation of Trevor Edmond's approach to facilitation.

l About process oriented facilitation l Applications

About process oriented facilitation

Process oriented facilitation, otherwise known as Worldwork, is based on the understanding that the conflicts occurring in the world around us are an expression of disavowed parts of ourselves seeking acceptance - a struggle for deep democracy. It takes into account our inner lives and dreams as well as that of the group. It also encourages the dual role of participation-facilitation.

Conflict is an everyday reality in our world, in our society, community and in families. If asked, most of us would choose a life free of conflict. Conflict is often associated with war, death, destruction, hurt, exile, displacement, forced migration, abuse. Given the history of the world and the trauma from violence in many individual lives, it can be easily understood if we choose to avoid conflict.

Less understood is outcome of the failure to attend to conflict in its early stages. It produces the very dire consequences we are trying to avoid. Dissent, disagreement, complaints, direct or covert, especially from minority, marginalised or less privileged positions, eventually erupt in extreme actions.
Colonisation, migration and the accelerated movement of people across national boundaries has given us the experience of diverse cultures, beliefs and lifestyles. Diversity may be celebrated by some but not all people rejoice in this. Social, political and economic tensions ensuing from differences can be resolved through dialogue but we are still witness to situations where solutions are imposed by authorities. The use of institutional power repeats the kind of abuse from which many migrants have risked life and limb to escape.

Rank, privilege and power in all areas of life are rarely part of the dialogue but nevertheless exercised, often, with little or no awareness of the hurt it causes. The cycle of hurtfulness and revenge keeps repeating until we are able to listen to and believe in the feelings of hurt of those who are aggrieved. Process oriented facilitation helps organisations, communities and groups in getting to know all its parts and to become acquainted with the rich resources that exists in the diversity and in its margins.

Process oriented facilitation contains an element of education/learning. Learning to track the process in a group enables members to contribute/participate effectively.

Solutions to mainstream problems can emerge when we attend to problems and disturbances which seem to come from the margins. Process Orientation is the attitude that the solutions to problems can be found in the process, that is, the flow of events and signals.

( Mindell. A., 2002. The Deep Democracy of Open Forums. Hampton Roads Charlottesville. VA. USA pp ix. )

Applications

Facilitation is useful when couples, groups or organisations find themselves in distress, in conflict. Beyond just trying to solve problems, some groups or organisations are aware that new ideas, changes in structure or policy need to be implemented sensitively and with the inclusion and support of all. With good facilitation many problems can be identified before they become harmful and hurtful.