Facilitator guidance

Preparation checklist

Logistics:

  • Book appropriate space

  • Ensure communication tools work

  • Prepare scenario materials

  • Brief observers and actors

  • Test technical injects

Participant prep:

  • Send pre-read materials

  • Confirm roles

  • Set expectations

  • Ensure availability

Safety:

  • Define stop words

  • Establish boundaries

  • Prepare de-escalation plan

  • Have support available

During simulation

Facilitator stance:

  • Observe without interfering

  • Inject at planned times

  • Adapt to team pace

  • Document key moments

  • Watch for overwhelm

When to pause:

  • Safety concern emerges

  • Learning moment needs emphasis

  • Team completely stuck

  • Technical failure occurs

Effective injects

Good injects:

  • Reveal dependencies

  • Create realistic dilemmas

  • Test escalation paths

  • Surface communication gaps

  • Challenge assumptions

Bad injects:

  • Purely technical puzzles

  • “Gotcha” moments

  • Unrealistic complications

  • Punishing good decisions

  • Overwhelming the team

Debrief facilitation

Create psychological safety:

  • No blame

  • Learning focus

  • Appreciate honesty

  • Normalise difficulty

Draw out insights:

  • What surprised you?

  • Where did you hesitate?

  • What would you do differently?

  • What worked well?

Capture actionable improvements:

  • Specific, not vague

  • Owned by someone

  • Time-bound

  • Measurable

Connect with us for more facilitator tips and support