The 12 amazing books on facilitation that every facilitator and trainer should read
To facilitate means “to make easy”. Sounds simple, but facilitation is an art, isn’t it?
One that you can keep developing throughout your life and career.
In this blog post, I am sharing with you 12 books on facilitation that I can truly recommend as some of the best reading on the topic that will support you on that journey.
I hope you will enjoy and learn a lot from them – and would love to hear which one you checked out and how you liked it!
1. Priya Parker: The Art of Gathering
This brilliant read is a great start if you want to fall in love (even deeper) with facilitation. It’s all about having a purpose-oriented mindset and the spirit of hosting. And it goes beyond just the workshops - her focus on intentional gathering and purpose-driven facilitation will change how you think about every group interaction, from business meetings to family dinners.
2. Rob Fitzpatrick & Devin Hunt: The Workshop Survival Guide
Packed with practical advice, this book is your go-to for avoiding common pitfalls and ensuring your workshops are as engaging as they are effective. It’s the hands-on manual, ideal for newbies to facilitation (although this book can also provide experienced facilitators with interesting ideas)!
3. Michael Wilkinson: The Secrets of Facilitation
This book lets you in on the secrets of facilitation by guiding you in applying SMART facilitation. This is not just an innovative way to produce consistent results with groups, but it is also highly valuable for your personal life. It delivers practical tips you can implement immediately.
4. Adam Kahane: Facilitating Breakthrough
Kahane’s approach of transformative facilitation enables you to remove obstacles in order to help the group thrive together towards a common goal. Full of real-life examples and experiences from all over the world, this book will make you think about facilitation in a new way.
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5. Roger Schwarz: The Skilled Facilitator
Classic, essential, ageless. The Skilled Facilitator reminds you of the ground rules of facilitation and the foundation of your work as a facilitator.
6. Sam Killermann: Unlocking the Magic of Facilitation
What is the true, fundamental magic of facilitation? Sometimes the obvious is not visible until someone shows you what to look for. This book will amaze you with new insights and perspectives.
7. Jenny Theolin: Dare to Facilitate Love this non-tradi
Love this non-traditional, perspective shifting book! It pushes you to break away from traditional facilitation models and explore more creative and engaging techniques. Perfect for when you’re ready to take facilitation to the next level.
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Recommended by Trainers Toolbox Community
The books on facilitation that are not to be forgotten according to other facilitators in the community.
8. Chip & Dan Heath: The Power of Moments
Ever wondered why certain moments are more memorable to us than others? This interesting read delves into the mysteries behind the extraordinary moments in life and how we can create more of them. Whilst this knowledge can be applied in every aspect of life, it is definitely valuable to keep in mind as a facilitator.
9. Michael Bungay Stanier: The Coaching Habit
In this book Bungay Stanier provides a practical guide to achieve greater results as a coach. He provides seven essential questions to transform your coaching. The key is to say less and ask more.
10. Sam Kaner et al.: Facilitator’s Guide To Participatory Decision-Making
By providing insights on how to build the strengths and capacities of a group as a whole, this book guides you to effective group decision-making. A classic, well known book in the field of facilitation, unleashing the power of groups.
11. Williemien Brand: Visual Thinking
This book shines light on the power of visualization within the business context. Collaboration, co-creation, and innovation can all be boosted via the use of visual communication. And the beautiful thing about it is: you don’t need to be artistically talented, everyone can tap into the power of visual thinking!
12. Jon & Maureen Jenkins: The 9 Disciplines of a Facilitator
What does it take to become an effective facilitator? This book lets you in on the nine disciplines that you need to master as a facilitator: Detachment, Engagement, Focus, Awareness, Action, Presence, Interior Council, Intentionality, and a Sense of Wonder. Because facilitation is much more than mastering a set of techniques.
I hope you will enjoy the reading – and discover some new tips, tools and ideas.
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