The best feeling as a facilitator? Becoming unnecessary.

A few weeks ago, I facilitated a vision workshop for a new product at my current client, Die Haftpflichtkasse VVaG.

I had two goals:

1. Build a sense of team spirit and psychological safety.
2. Lay the foundation for a shared product vision. And yes both worked beautifully.

I could leave it there and say: Mission accomplished.

But that would miss the most important part. At one point, a participant shared openly:Im not sure what Im doing here. I thought wed just start working right away. That moment couldve been awkward. But before I could even respond, the team stepped in. They explained the purpose. They held the space. They took care of each other. Later that day, someone asked: Werent you disappointed by that moment of resistance? Not at all. Quite the opposite. I was proud for three reasons: The space was safe enough for honest feelings. The team showed ownership and empathy. One single voice of doubt in a diverse group of ten thats not failure, thats realness. So yes, the best feeling as a facilitator is when you’re no longer needed because the team is ready to lead itself.

• Built team spirit
• Created safe space
• Vision groundwork done
• Team handled resistance themselves

I felt beautifully unnecessary and I couldnt have been happier

Photo: Domenique Bullert

Originally posted on LinkedIn.