Exploring AI-Enhanced Group Facilitation

Our insights from the 'Digital Facilitation 2.0' Workshop at Facilitate 2023

In May of this year, I had the honour of co-hosting a workshop titled "Digital Facilitation 2.0: Leveraging AI and Howspace for Enhanced Collaboration and Decision-Making." This event took place in Birmingham and was a collaborative effort co-created by Lowene Chan, with remote support from our esteemed colleague Peter Seah. Our primary goal was to illuminate the vast potential of AI in group facilitation. Our workshop was featured as a part of the International Association of Facilitators (IAF) England & Wales annual conference, known as Facilitate 2023, and it prominently showcased the integration of AI within the Howspace digital platform.

Our workshop drew professionals and facilitators from various fields. They were eager to explore the advantages of incorporating AI and technology into their facilitation processes.

Pre-Workshop Activities

One standout feature of using a digital collaboration platform like Howspace is the ability to kickstart the session weeks before the actual synchronous event. This means that participants can engage in preparatory activities, setting the stage for a more enriching experience. We achieved this by sharing introductory videos to familiarize attendees with the workshop hosts and to invite them to begin reflecting on and discussing workshop content.

On-Site Workshop

The much-anticipated day arrived when we finally convened in person to host our workshop at The Priory Rooms Meeting & Conference Centre. It was truly remarkable to witness the flexibility and support provided by the IAF conference team, led by the invaluable Paul Brand. In just a matter of minutes, they seamlessly transformed a traditionally face-to-face event into a fully functional hybrid meeting setup. This transition was a testament to their adaptability and dedication.

Interestingly, while our colleagues in the UK are well-versed in hybrid event setups, they had opted for an exclusively face-to-face annual conference this time. It was clear that virtual work fatigue had played a role in this decision. However, our team was determined to explore the potential of AI, and with their guidance, attendees embarked on an eye-opening journey into the realm of AI's role in group facilitation. This journey prompted a reevaluation of established boundaries in collaboration and decision-making.

Our workshop design featured smaller group activities, commencing with pre-workshop discussions and culminating in an experimental session where half of the participants engaged in a "paper and pen" experience facilitated by Lowene, while the other half used Howspace in a "digital room." This hands-on participation allowed attendees to directly witness the benefits of AI-driven collaboration, recognizing its potential to boost efficiency and elevate decision-making processes.

The interactive nature and the seamless integration of AI within Howspace left participants genuinely intrigued by the myriad possibilities.

Exploring Cross-Cultural Understanding

The workshop's guiding question was derived from the overarching conference theme, though it's understandable that many attendees may have forgotten it amidst the whirlwind of activities. Our question was:

"How can we measure progress in promoting cross-cultural understanding, and what metrics could be employed to assess our success?"

The workshop concluded with a reflective debrief and discussion, during which attendees shared their experiences and insights on AI's role in group facilitation. These conversations delved into the advantages and implications of incorporating technology, offering a balanced examination of both the merits and drawbacks.

Conclusions

Did the "Digital Facilitation 2.0" workshop leave participants with a deeper appreciation for the dynamic interplay between AI and group facilitation? The results may not have aligned precisely with our expectations, but what was undeniable is that the event sparked ongoing conversations and initiated the formation of a community of facilitators eager to embrace AI and technology's potential to enhance collaborative endeavors in innovative and unprecedented ways.

About the Author

Paul Nunesdea is the English pen name of Paulo Nunes de Abreu, a Facilitator, Master of Ceremonies, Author, and Publisher of the Architecting Collaboration book series. He is an IAF Certified Facilitator™ who designs and hosts events for clients ranging from large corporations to governmental organizations.

As the curator of Architecting Collaboration, Paul shares insights on collaboration, facilitation, and digital transformation through his blogs and thought leadership. He is also the founder of col.lab | collaboration laboratory, a hub for collaborative innovation, including Debate Exímio Lda.

Paul leads the Health Data Forum, a registered UK charity, which organizes the Health Data Forum Global Hybrid Summit, drives the Data First, AI Later movement, and hosts a curated network of independent health data and AI experts.

Further Reading References

"Reinventing Organizations: A Guide to Creating Organizations Inspired by the Next Stage of Human Consciousness" by Frederic Laloux

This book discusses new ways of organizing and collaborating, touching on aspects of AI and technology's influence on facilitating digital interactions within innovative organizational structures.

"Virtual Teamwork: Mastering the Art and Practice of Online Learning and Corporate Collaboration" by Robert Ubell

While this book primarily focuses on virtual teamwork and online learning, it covers aspects of digital facilitation in virtual settings and how technology, including AI, can enhance collaboration.

"Artificial Intelligence for HR: Use AI to Support and Develop a Successful Workforce" by Ben Eubanks

This book discusses the application of AI in the realm of human resources, including aspects related to the digital facilitation of remote teams and virtual collaboration.