THIS Leader Podcast
Episode 33:Â The Facilitative Leadership Toolkit
September 23, 2025
Why do some meetings energize teams while others drain them?
In this revealing episode, I pull back the curtain on facilitative leadership skills that transform ordinary meetings into powerful collaborative sessions where everyone contributes fully.
Discover five simple techniques you can use immediately to shift from being the person with all the answers to the leader who helps groups find the best answers together.
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Picture two meetings: same problem, same people. In one, the leader does most talking while others just chime in. In the other, everyone contributes fully, decisions get vetted with energy, and people leave excited to execute what they helped create. The difference? Facilitative leadership skills.
I reveal the shift from directive leadership (telling, commanding) to facilitative leadership (guiding process, asking questions). The key is understanding that all work follows a predictable flow: ideation, activation, implementation, and learning. I also share five simple techniques to transform meetings immediately.
These aren't complicated; they're practical tools that shift you from being the person with all answers to helping groups find best answers together.Â
"Your expertise is most valuable when you use it to ask better questions, not to provide all the answers. When you constantly operate in directive mode, you're trading long-term capacity building for short-term efficiency."
Highlights from this episode:
To learn more about my services, subscribe to my newsletter, and for additional tools to enhance your leadership impact, visit ClaireLaughlin.com and connect with me on social channels @Claire Laughlin Consulting.
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About your Host
Claire Laughlin, MA, Organizational Development Consultant
Hi! I'm Claire Laughlin, and I love helping leaders like you create workplaces where people truly thrive.
For over two decades, I've been rolling up my sleeves alongside teams and organizations, using hands-on methods that actually work (because let's face it - theory only gets you so far!).Â
I specialize in teaching leaders how to engage their teams, helping managers become more effective facilitators, and showing people how to work better together.
I'm also a master facilitator for the Six Types of Working Genius® - a fantastic tool that helps you understand and leverage your natural talents.
When I'm not helping leaders like you build happy, high-energy workplaces, I'm enjoying a hike in the forest with my dog Fiona, spending time with my family or curled up with a great book.
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Let's keep the party going!
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