Appendix C — Troubleshooting Common Facilitation Challenges

C.1 Low Participation

Symptoms: Quiet groups, minimal discussion, brief activity outputs Interventions:

• Use smaller groups (3-4 people)
• Provide more structure and specific prompts
• Model vulnerability by sharing your own experiences
• Use anonymous input methods (sticky notes, digital polls)

C.2 Resistance to “Soft Skills”

Symptoms: Comments like “This is just common sense” or “We need to focus on the science” Responses:

• Lead with data and evidence
• Connect to concrete research outcomes
• Share failure stories from high-profile collaborations
• Acknowledge their expertise while highlighting collaboration complexity

C.3 Time Management Issues

Symptoms: Activities running long, content blocks getting rushed Solutions:

• Use visible timers for all activities
• Give time warnings (5 minutes, 2 minutes, wrap up)
• Have abbreviated versions of activities ready
• Cut content, not activities - the practice is more valuable

C.4 Dominating Participants

Symptoms: Same people speaking repeatedly, others withdrawing Interventions:

• Use structured turn-taking (“Each person shares one idea”)
• Redirect: “Thank you, John. Sarah, what’s your perspective?”
• Address privately during breaks if necessary
• Use written activities to balance participation

C.5 Skepticism About Evidence

Symptoms: “That research doesn’t apply to our field/situation” Responses:

• Ask for specific context that makes it different
• Find research from their discipline if possible
• Focus on principles rather than specific practices
• Invite them to test and report back

C.6 Technology Failures

Symptoms: Platform crashes, connectivity issues, lost materials Preparation:

• Have low-tech backup plans for all activities
• Test technology multiple times before session
• Prepare printed materials as backup
• Designate a tech support person if possible