In the high paced, high autonomy world of an academic department, it can be vital for all quarters of a department to have time to consider the big picture – whether the focus is on a long range plan, a curricular revision, or simply a periodic opportunity to develop and enjoy collegiality, collaborations, and investment in a shared endeavor.
An external facilitator brings specific benefits to faculty retreats – or to any faculty gathering that extends beyond the day-to-day business of the department. An external facilitator can add one or more of the following components to a faculty retreat.
Planning
- providing planning models and retreat structures that differ from the familiar discussion modes of the department
- helping to identify, organize, and apply relevant contextual variables that should be addressed prior to the retreat or presented as background during a retreat
- dissecting and organizing complex issues in order to achieve productive engagement (rather than getting snarled in knots)
- collecting input, opinions, and perspective prior to the retreat to build the momentum of the retreat discussions in advance
Facilitating
- structuring discussions that are focused, interactive, effective, and energized
- navigating complex group dynamics, communication challenges, and conflicts
- freeing up all members of the department to participate fully in the content work of the retreat
Follow up
- advising follow up steps and integration
- helping to document discussions, decisions, and other products of the retreat
Kardia Group change experts are available for consultation sessions where we can offer guidance and advice on making change in academia.
