We hadn’t done any group strategic planning before, but it was time. I’ve led others through strategic planning. But, this time, I decided to ask someone else to lead us. And wow, am I glad I did! 

Leading sessions yourself certainly has benefits. It’s practical, easy, inexpensive, and quick.  But sometimes, there are signs that outside facilitation is needed. Knowing the benefits can help you decide if having an outsider facilitator could be helpful. 

It was my first meeting with this team. We’d been talking about what to do next for forty-five minutes. The discussion bounced around several times, while two team mates with strong opinions dominated the conversation. I had trouble getting a word in edgewise.