Have you ever wondered what makes a truly outstanding facilitator? We certainly have! Back in 2003, a group of five passionate facilitators (including some of our very own board members) came together with a shared vision: to elevate the field of facilitation to new heights. And so, the International Institute for Facilitation (INIFAC) was born.
Defining Excellence in Facilitation
At the time, there wasn’t a universally recognized standard for what constituted exceptional facilitation. We set out to change that. Our founding team envisioned a rigorous certification program that would define, assess, and promote the highest level of facilitator mastery.
Our goals were ambitious:
- Comprehensive Competencies: Develop a clear set of competencies and sub-competencies – the specific knowledge and skills – that lead to truly outstanding facilitated sessions. To get this right, we engaged hundreds of facilitators and clients through surveys, seeking their input on what mattered most.
- Rigorous Assessment: Establish the most stringent and consistent assessment process possible. This meant creating detailed scoring guidelines for each competency, leaving no room for ambiguity.
- High Standards: Set a high bar for certification. Facilitators would need to demonstrate mastery by achieving an 80% or higher score in each competency area.
Building the Framework
After reviewing existing competency models, we drafted our own framework, designed specifically for facilitators aiming for excellence. We then gathered valuable feedback through a research project, interviewing over 450 facilitators and clients. Their input shaped our final “Master Facilitator Competencies,” a comprehensive framework with six core competencies and 30 sub-competencies.
Advancing Mastery in Facilitation
From those early days, INIFAC has grown into a global organization with a clear mission: to advance mastery in facilitation that helps individuals, groups, and organizations around the world achieve collaborative results.
We’re proud to support a diverse range of clients, from Fortune 500 companies and government organizations to nonprofits and more. Our Partners in Facilitator Development program empowers organizations to certify their internal facilitators at the highest level, ensuring they have the skills to drive effective collaboration and problem-solving.
And for those seeking expert facilitation services, our Find a Facilitator directory makes it easy to connect with certified facilitators at all levels across the globe.
The Legacy Continues
We’re incredibly proud of our story and the impact we’ve had on the field. We invite you to explore our certification program and discover how INIFAC can help you elevate your facilitation skills to the next level.