Facilitation Network: Engaging Staff for Better Meetings, Better Outcomes

About the Program

Category: County Administration and Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2013

In order to meet the socio-economic challenges of today and best position us for the future, Hennepin County needed to create an organizational culture that more fully engaged its staff. In 2010, an initial group of 60 staff were trained in the Technology of Participation (ToP) facilitation methods. Today Hennepin County has a flourishing facilitation network of 160 staff from 15 different county departments. With the simple mission “better meetings, better outcomes” the facilitation network engages staff throughout the county to participate effectively in discussions, reach consensus, develop strategic plans, create action plans, make more informed decisions, and achieve better results. Departments engaged in strategic planning and major change initiatives have come to rely on the network for skilled, neutral facilitators to guide them. Members of the network develop new skills, learn about other county departments, and become more invested in the county’s mission as a whole. Staff who participate in facilitated meetings, workshops, and events feel that their voices are heard and know that they play an important role in Hennepin County’s success.