Leadership: Big Nine

I thought there would be more.

But there are only nine.

Yesterday I checked how many meeting facilitators in California had earned the Certified Professional Facilitator (CPF) designation from the International Association of Facilitators (IAF).

Of course, this is important because (drum roll, please) I'm on that list.

Earning the CPF from the IAF is a commendable achievement because it's difficult. You have to do more than just be in business or collect a long list of clients.

First, the IAF requires an extensive application, which includes comprehensive descriptions of prior work, approach, and philosophy. This can easily exceed 2,500 to 3,000 words.

If they judge this as acceptable, then you are admitted into the certification process, which now costs $1,500.

Then you are asked to select a facilitation project for the certification exam.

Once you select this, you are assigned a "client" whom you then contact to discuss the project. It's important to note that the skill-based part of the certification process begins with this call. The assessors are monitoring how you interact with a client to determine the meeting goals, prepare an agenda, and advise on logistics.

This last step is the full day certification exam, which includes two interview exams and a demo facilitation. The demo facilitation tests 1) your approach to meeting facilitation and 2) your ability to identify and then deal with someone has been asked to disrupt your meeting.

The point: If you want professional facilitation, ask for a facilitator who has earned the CPF. That way, you know you're working with an expert.

And by the way, if you are a meeting facilitator, I encourage you to apply for the CPF. It's a designation that means something.

Key Point: When you want a job done right, work with an expert.

Much success,

Steve Kaye

714-528-1300

Author, Speaker, IAF Certified Professional Facilitator

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