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It is the role of the facilitative leader to move the group away from
discussion into dialogue. Facilitation skills enable the leader to help
everyone keep their ownership of the process and its outcomes, and to
keep the dialogue moving. A skilled facilitator can also help ensure that

assumptions are being suspended. This means questioning statements and
beliefs as they are mentioned. The facilitator must also walk a careful line
between being knowledgeable and helpful while involved with the group,
but not taking on the “expert” role that would shift attention away from
the members of the team and their own ideas and responsibilities.
210
However, the facilitative leader is more than one who ensures that
everyone is engaged in dialogue rather than slipping into mere discussion.

A good facilitator often needs to influence the flow of ideas through his or
her active participation. As Peter Senge has stated, the artistry of dialogue
lies in experiencing the flow of meaning and seeing the one thing that needs to be
said now. 211 The ability to do this meaningfully usually requires a great
deal of experience on the part of the leader so that the input is appropriate
and relevant.

The following exercises are an overall assessment of the leadership skills
you as an individual possess. They are designed to help you more

objectively determine your capacity as a leader and that of your staff.

Exercise 27: Leadership Self Assessment
212

Read each of the characteristics below and their descriptions. On a scale of 1 to
10, rate the degree to which you believe you possess that characteristic. Save
this worksheet so you can try it again in a few months and see if you have
changed!
How Much of a Leader Are You?

Quality Description Range
(low……....…high)

Drive the will to push hard toward a goal 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

210 Peter M. Senge, The Fifth Discipline: The Art & Practice of the Learning Organization, New York:
Currency Doubleday, 1990, p. 246.
211 Peter M. Senge, The Fifth Discipline: The Art & Practice of the Learning Organization, New York:
Currency Doubleday, 1990, p. 247.
212
NFTE.
David Kolzow 222