This Saturday, I’ll talk about the role of the Remote Facilitator.
It’s a compelling role that makes the Remote-First culture a breeze to adopt.

Are you planning to become Remote-First?
You need discipline.

Real life is where our intentions clash with a thousand duties and unforeseen events.
That place full of “stuff” often leads us not to evolve.

To become a Remote-First company, you must change how you interact with your colleagues.
You must change the way you communicate.
You must change your way of thinking.

Plus, You can’t do all this only by yourself.
You must do it together with your co-workers.

Are you now scared enough?
Don’t worry.

It’s simpler than you imagine.

What is a Remote Facilitator

The primary duties of a Remote Facilitator are the following:

  • Help to reach an outcome or decision for which everyone will take responsibility and be fully committed.
  • Help by providing a structure to a process, enabling cooperative decision-making

A Remote Facilitator

  • Doesn’t lead but, instead, guides.
  • Doesn’t offer solutions or recommend decisions.
  • Helps the group discover solutions.

In simplest terms, Facilitators are consensus builders.

The 3 activities for which the Remote Facilitators make a difference

Facilitators vs Leaders

Facilitators:

  • Help their team on setting expectations
  • Intervene when the group strays from the objective and outcome
  • Stimulate with relevant questions, ideas, and concepts
  • Manage the boundaries

Leaders:

  • Get stuff done through people
  • Manage personalities
  • Get the best out of people under their care

To better visualize the difference, consider the legendary Michael Jordan’s Basketball team. The Chicago Bulls.

 

Scottie Pippen, the facilitator.

A point forward can bring the ball up the court, penetrate, shoot, rebound, and hit open teammates. 

Can guard against point guards to power forwards.

 

Michael Jordan. The leader.

The scorer.
The communicator.
The motivator.
The decision-maker.

 

Would Michael Jordan have been the legend we all know
without Scottie Pippen?
I doubt it.

To become a successful remote team, all your colleagues should understand well (and as fast as possible):

  • Your company culture
  • How to communicate effectively with all teammates
  • How to share their knowledge
  • How to learn from the others

How?
Your team needs one or more leaders to become facilitators, enabling others to reach their goals.

All leaders are facilitators, but not all facilitators are leaders.

The best Facilitating Leaders are:

  • Big picture thinkers:
    think big, act small.     
  • Warm and empathetic:
    create a positive and supportive environment.     
  • Collaborative communicators:
    work directly and openly with their colleagues.     
  • Good listeners:
    hear and understand their colleagues.     
  • Flexible:
    adapt to new, different, or changing requirements. 
  • Enthusiastic:
    Involve their teams with passion and enthusiasm.

The 5 steps to facilitate your remote work

  1. Ask yourself if you are already a Leader, a Facilitator, or a Facilitating Leader. 
  2. Share this article with your colleagues. 
  3. Identify the daily topics you need more discipline to evolve (start from my examples). 
  4. Choose a facilitator for each activity. 
  5. Enjoy the journey 🙂