Co-facilitating DiSC sessions

Delivering a program with more than one facilitator can be beneficial for both the learners and the facilitators. Two facilitators can give each other breaks from talking. They can take notes during a session, offer feedback, and support each other in tough situations. Co-facilitation also has its challenges, including a greater need for planning and practice.

Deciding whether to co-facilitate

Your relationship with your co-facilitator needs to be nourished and will be an example to your groups.
Who will prepare the content and activities? Will you divide the task equally? Do you agree on the same learning objectives for the session?
Can you find a co-facilitator who complements your own skills and challenges?
Do you need a co-facilitator for additional sites included during a single hybrid session? Will they truly co-facilitate or simply manage activities at their site?
Do you need a producer for any online delivery rather than a co-facilitator?

Co-facilitators vs. producers

Maybe you've decided you don't want to run your training alone. Are you looking for a partner or someone to support you?

In general, co-facilitators are true partners focused on content delivery and participant engagement. Producers, on the other hand, focus on operational and technical support to ensure a seamless training experience.

Co-facilitator role:

Content expertise: Typically subject matter experts who actively lead discussions, activities, and presentations.
Participant interaction: Engages directly with participants to answer questions, clarify concepts, and facilitate group work.
Shared responsibility: Shares ownership of session outcomes, collaborating with co-facilitator to ensure smooth delivery.
Training design: Usually contributes to the design and structure of the training materials and agenda.

Producer role:

Technology/logistics expertise: Manages virtual platforms (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams) or in-room equipment (e.g., microphones, projectors).
Behind-the-scenes: Works primarily in the background, allowing facilitators to focus on delivering content. Ensures the session runs smoothly by troubleshooting issues like connectivity, sound, or visuals.
Session flow management: If the facilitator requests it, the producer may handle tasks like timekeeping, launching polls, and monitoring chat or Q&A.

Tips for working with a co-facilitator

Before the session

Share what you’re good at and what you find challenging. Do you both want to work from your comfort zones this session, or try to develop your weaker skills?
Align on content and goals for the session.
Agree on individual or shared responsibility for preparing materials, activities, and resources.
Decide what pre-session communications you need and who will do them.
Divide the facilitation of activities, but be prepared to step in if needed. In other words, prepare for the entire session, not just your part.
Plan out the timing and agree on a clear agenda.
Discuss how you'll address participant questions. Will you invite questions as they arise or ask participants to hold them until a designated Q&A time? Which facilitator will take the lead on answering? Anticipate common questions about DiSC so you're ready to answer.
Rehearse together.

During the session

Frequently include your co-facilitator, even during your time on the agenda. This can be as simple as asking if they have anything to add. Expect your co-facilitator to step in if you’re running over time or are struggling.
Be observant. While one facilitator leads, the other can observe participant engagement. They can address questions or issues in the chat (for virtual sessions) or in real time.
Decide on signals you can give each other. You can indicate things like the need for a break, a technical issue you need time to address, a desire to skip a section, or other likely issues.
Model collaboration. Demonstrate effective teamwork by supporting each other, showing mutual respect, and reinforcing each other's contributions.

After the session

Debrief with each other after the session. Discuss what worked well and what changes you would make.
Decide what follow-ups you'll do and who will complete those tasks.
Collect feedback from participants. Use the feedback to identify areas where co-facilitation dynamics or session delivery can improve.
If you have the opportunity for continued engagement with the group, discuss your plan for keeping DiSC in learners' minds.

Essentially, you and your co-facilitator need to find alignment on goals, get on the same page before delivering the workshop, stay tuned into each other during the session, and debrief afterward.