Natural Facilitators

This book is about the talented but often underestimated linchpins in organizations, teams, and families who enable others to do their jobs better: the natural facilitators. Though they make it easier for others to succeed and often support the decision-makers, their invaluable contributions and attributes are often overlooked. Indeed, their importance may only be recognized in retrospect, after they leave an organization and others notice a decline in productivity or morale. What do we know about these unsung heroes who, often behind the scenes, organize and accomplish projects and help processes flow more smoothly? To find out, the author, equipped with curiosity, a recorder, and a list of questions, conducted 29 interviews with natural facilitators and their supervisors, in a wide variety of work settings. The compelling results will help leaders and managers not only recognize and appreciate these indispensable employees but also leverage their strengths to improve the organization. And readers who recognize facilitator attributes in themselves can use this book to make better career decisions and enhance their own work satisfaction.