Global Flipchart

To get a better sense of facilitative leadership, we asked members of the IAF Hall of Fame to give us their opinion. 

I’ve discovered the secret that “If you ask people for their wisdom, and you really listen, they think you are wise.”  And in addition, “If you ask people for their wisdom, and you really listen, you get more wise.” I once worked with a city council that was wary of consulting the public.  I told them, “If you ask people for their wisdom, and really listen, not only will they think you are wise, but they will vote for you again!”
– Jo Nelson

Ursula Franklin, a world-renowned engineer and feminist from Toronto, gave a fabulous image of leadership in the 80’s which I think speaks perfectly to facilitators. Facilitative leaders are like earthworms working underground unseen by society. They loosen up hard soil making it softer and allow water and other nutrients to flow through it, making it possible for beautiful plants to grow above ground. 
– Bill Staples

Leadership exists  when  there  is a willingness of  people  to  follow an  individual.  It is about developing leaders while leading.   In  this  context  Trust,  Integrity,  Responsibility  and  Accountability  become  the  way  of  life  of the  leader  in  enabling  meaningful  and relevant  change.   Over the years  I  have become more  mindful  of these principles as I  work  with Communities in various  capacities. 
– Theresa Ratnam Thong

What we as facilitators should know about the "leaders" with whom we work, is that many (most) "leaders" are afraid that facilitation will impede efficient decision-making. We need to show that facilitation improves long-term efficiency by helping to ensure that decisions are "owned" by all participants and so are more likely to be implemented.
– John Butcher

Leaders need to know that effective Facilitation is all about making it easier to develop the best thinking of individuals or a group of people. Facilitators should be expert on Process and neutral on Content. Effective facilitation can therefore help the Leader achieve the useful change results required and buy in from the followers.
– Keith Ryall

Great leadership includes many of the skills that defines a great facilitator; listening skills, ability to involve, to build rapport, to engage, to inspire towards action etc. One thing that differentiates is that with leadership there is decision-making power - something that the facilitator never takes on. 
– Malin Morén

Leadership is at its best when it helps people and groups become better through your presence while making sure that the impact lasts in the your absence. Facilitation is at its best when it leads a group or team to intentional self-efficacy and the co-creation of synergies that make a given task or process possible, better or easier.
– Gilbert Brenson Lazan

Facilitation is a skilled practice to help an individual or group reflect and commit together.  It is also a critical factor in leading. Being facilitative is the practice of paying attention to the moment, the group and the process while holding the space open for more creativity and opportunity to emerge. 
– Lawrence Philbrook 

Leaders should know that facilitation is dangerous, potent – it empowers people – they become used to having their voices heard  - and a sense of ownership and involvement in their destinies... it’s addictive.
– Tom Schwarz