MODULE 108MARKETPLACE FORUM

FACILITATOR’s GUIDELINES

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Contact Person

Dr. Mario Denton

Crown Financial Ministries Marketplace Programme Director for Africa

Africa Director for FCCI (The Fellowship for Companies for Christ International)

CEO STRONG MESSAGE BUSINESS CONSULTANT

Let's keep the good marketplace vibes alive. Let's network. Tel (w) + 27(0) 82 88 29903. E-mail address: mario@crown.org.za Website: www.crown.org.za and click on

marketplace

E-mail address: marden@mweb.co.za website: www.strongmessage.co.za

Skype: mario.denton

MARKETPLACE FORUM FACILITATOR’S GUIDELINES

Crown Companies Group Structure, Meeting information and Guidelines

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Well-run meetings contribute to increasing the value of your Crown Companies

group experience. This section contains:

A) Group Structure and Mechanics

B) Meeting Information

C) Group Facilitator Guidelines

A) Group Structure and Mechanics• Each group generally has no more than 8 members and each group decides on

the maximum number of members.

• Forum groups meet monthly for 4 hours. A rotating schedule is developed, with

each member making a focus presentation about twice a year.

• Crown Companies meetings are work — they fit into the workday.

• Although the purpose of Crown Companies group membership is not for

networking to do business with other members, it is recognised that some

members may naturally desire to do business with other members of the Crown

Companies group. Members doing business are to declare this to the group. If,

as a result of doing business together, problems develop, a distancing in

relationships may occur if the problems are not addressed. Should a dispute

arise, it is understood and agreed that the members will resolve the matter within

the group.

• In the interest of growing openness and transparency, members are

encouraged eventually to share financial statements as part of a presentation.

The appropriate time for sharing financial statements will be determined by the

presenter and the facilitator as part of the agenda planning process.

• Attendance must be FAITHFUL.

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• BE ON TIME (Everyone’s time is valuable).

• RULE: Members will be asked to reconsider their participation in the Crown

Companies group if they are absent more then 3 times per year excepting

unusual circumstances.

• Your Crown Companies group is not a Bible study group or a prayer group.

However, prayer and seeking the Scriptures are integral to an effective Crown

Companies group experience. In addition to starting and ending the meetings in

prayer, the group is encouraged to pray after each member makes a

presentation, gives an update with a specific request, and before or after each

training session.

• Prayer partners are assigned between meetings using the Prayer Partner cards

provided by Crown Companies. Prayer partners are encouraged to meet or

connect by phone between meetings. Crown Companies members routinely

share the encouragement and support they receive in this area.

• Crown Companies members are also encouraged to call an emergency

meeting with available members if an urgent issue or opportunity arises rather

than wait for the formal meeting. Many Forum groups choose to meet informally

in between the monthly half-day meetings.

Instructions:

• Each member fills out his/her own card.

• Exchange card with another member.

• Share or explain prayer requests.

• Pray regularly and specifically.

• Phone or meet with prayer partner between meetings.

• Change prayer partners at each meeting.

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• “Most Wanted” are those who you desire to become followers of Jesus Christ.

Prayer Partner Card

Name:

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Phone:

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Date:

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E-mail:

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Personal:

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(Spiritual Growth):

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Family (Spouse, Children):

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Business:

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Most Wanted:

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Contact your prayer partner between meetings for updates.

Expect God to answer prayers.

Look for opportunities to ask the group “Is this an answer to prayer?”

New Members• New members may be added to your group only when there are fewer than the

maximum number of members that each group establishes.

• A prospective member may be a referral from one of your members, from

members in other groups in other cities, from churches or from website inquiries.

• The group facilitator or one of the members of the group speaks with a

prospective member to determine a fit for Crown Companies and/or your group,

using the following criteria:

– Company size, level of responsibility

– Business conflicts (competitors)

– Consider any previous personal and business relationships with other

members. Usually it is better to have members who do not know each other in

any other way.

– Compatibility with other members

– Reasonable travel time and distance

• Present prospective group member’s applicable information to members for

approval before inviting him/her to a group meeting.

• Prospective member attends a Forum meeting on a trial basis and will be asked

to:

– Describe business, including a brief history

– Tell about family

– Share where he/she is in his/her spiritual pilgrimage

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– Expectations of being in a Crown Companies group

– Sign the confidentiality statement

• Unanimous acceptance is required by the group member and prospective

member.

• Your group may decide to take the initiative to be involved in the start of a new

group or host a Crown Companies Showcase.

Guest Policy

• Guests are not encouraged at meetings due to the confidential nature of

meetings.

• Guests are allowed provided they are potential group members, a facilitator

trainee and only if the guest has been cleared by the facilitator and the group.

• Guests should arrive on time and plan to stay for part of or the whole meeting

as determined by the group.

• Guests should not participate in the discussion unless invited to contribute.

• Guests should be prepared to introduce themselves with a brief description of

the business, family, spiritual pilgrimage and what they hope to gain from being

in a group.

B) Meeting informationTypical Crown Companies Forum Meeting Agenda

This is an overview of a typical agenda for a four-hour Forum meeting.

1. Introduction (15 minutes)a. Welcome, review agenda, assign prayer partners and open with a prayer.

b. Use the devotional in the manual or ask the question:

“How has God been at work in your life since the last meeting?”

2. Crown Companies P2P Teaching (45 minutes)

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a. Pathway to Purpose — Crown Companies recommends P2P resources for

each meeting. Typically this a 20-minute video presentation followed by

discussion time.

b. The group decides in advance who will facilitate this discussion.

c. Some groups elect to use devotionals or provided case studies.

d. Alternatively, a guest speaker or another Crown Companies member may be

invited to the group for a question-and-answer session.

3. Member Updates using forms provided for each meeting (40 minutes)

4. Coffee and Phone Break (10 minutes)

5. Focus Presentation (60 minutes)a. The member prepares to make a focus presentation by using the Focus

Presentation Worksheet and meeting with another group member prior to the

meeting.

6. Issue Presentation and Prayer (60 minutes)a. Each member shares issues identified in the Member Update section to

receive input and prayer.

7. Administrative Items and Closing Prayer (10 minutes)a. Review Meeting schedule for the year and annual retreat.

b. Review assignments and details for the next meeting:

i. Meeting host and food arrangements

ii. Focus presenter and other issue presenters

iii. Devotional Leader

iv. Crown Companies P2P Teaching facilitator

c. One member prays to formally end the meeting.

d. Ask prayer partners to exchange prayer cards.

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Meeting Preparation• One week before each meeting call or send out an e-mail reminder— agenda,

date, time and location.

• Continually reinforce punctuality. Most groups run on tight schedules If a

member is late it puts strain on the schedule for everyone.

• Pray before you leave for your meeting:

– That the Lord will make you sensitive to His Spirit’s leading.

– That you will have wisdom and discernment in your facilitation role.

– That you will focus as much on the person as you do on his/her problems.

– That the Lord will bring Scripture to your or the members' mind as it pertains to

the issues being discussed.

– That the group will model the love of Christ.

– That each member will grow closer to Christ as a result of this meeting.

• An effective meeting is an orderly meeting. The facilitator is in charge of

keeping the meeting orderly. Assign a timekeeper to assist in this.

Roles and Discussion Guidelines• Make sure the members know their role and your role. Tell them ahead of time

that it is your responsibility to try and keep to the schedule as stated in the

agenda.

• Let them know that you or a group member may be forced to steer the

discussion back on track if it is necessary to do so in order to properly address

the issues in the allotted time.

• It is important that each member feels that his/her input is valued. Make a point

of drawing out the opinions of those who might be shy or lack self-confidence.

• Avoid monopolisation — Some people simply enjoy talking. For others there

may be a component of pride. You can interrupt by giving the “time out” sign and

saying:

“Allen, because I want to make sure I’m hearing you right, are you saying…”

“Linda we appreciate that view, so Marguerite, what is your take on this subject?”

• Discourage side-bar discussions that don’t involve the whole group.

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“Henry, could you and Jack hold that thought and maybe continue it at the

break?”

• Keep the meeting moving along the agenda time line.

• Frequently, the best thinking comes fast and early. Belabouring an issue is

seldom worth the loss of momentum.

• If the group keeps veering off the subject in areas not directly related, you will

need to invoke the “keep focused” ground rule.

• Suggest the use of a “Parking Lot” list to capture items that can be pursued

later, but are not the focal point for this part of the meeting.

• Using the Focus Presentation Worksheet is key to a good plan. Make sure

presenters have this tool well in advance of the meeting.

– Spend time or have another group member spend the time to go over the

worksheet with the presenter prior to the meeting.

– Encourage the presenters to put together any written materials that will help

explain or provide background to the issue.

– It may be helpful if the members have access to these materials prior to the

meeting so they can familiarise themselves with the information ahead of time.

C) Group Facilitator GuidelinesWhat Makes a Crown Companies Group Meeting Effective?

1. Members feel good about themselves and the group.

2. Members willingly and openly share their ideas and concerns.

3. Members work together constructively and positively to help solve problems,

enhance their businesses and grow personally.

4. Members leave the meeting believing their valuable time was not wasted and

that they made a positive contribution.

5. Members have applied biblical principles to their personal and business

issues.

6. Members have prayed for each other.

7. Members have grown closer to each other and to God.

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Good Facilitator Habits• Asking rather than telling.

• Initiating conversation vs. waiting for someone else to initiate.

• Willing to spend time in building relationships vs. always being task-oriented.

• Asking for others' opinions before offering your own.

• Negotiating rather than dictating decision making.

• Listening without interrupting.

• More like a coach than a scientist.

• More like a friend than an acquaintance.

• More like a shepherd than a sergeant.

• Offer grace umbrellas to your members.

• Remind your members that the group is to be a “safe place.” Ideas are being

judged, not people.

• If there are disagreements, make sure they are directed at the issue and not at

the person.

• Do not hesitate to stop the meeting and go to prayer at any time you feel the

meeting has reached an impasse or the flesh is getting in the way of the Spirit.

You will be amazed at the difference it will make during the remainder of the

meeting.

• Look for ways to weave the Crown Companies' vision and mission into the

discussion in a natural way.

• Encourage members to surrender their lives to Christ.

• Encourage members to let Christ live through them.

GoalA God-honouring effective meeting

• Encourage members to let Christ do more through them than they are capable

of doing themselves.

• Encourage members to be thankful and give God the glory for progress that is

made between meetings.

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• As a leader of leaders, boldly remind members they are not working to serve

themselves, a supervisor, or a board of directors. They are working to serve the

risen Lord, the King of Kings, the creator of the universe. They are serving

almighty God Himself!

Conflict Resolution• Recognise the need for pushback (i.e. diffusing dogmatism) when a member is

unreasonably stubborn and unwilling to listen to differing opinions.

• A key decision is whether to handle this publicly or privately.

• An example of a public way to do it:

“Ben, I know you feel passionate about this. We all know conviction is a good

thing. But it's important that we remain open to considering new options. So

could we all just take a deep breath, and push back from this a little?”

• If everyone is avoiding the obvious for some reason, have the courage to bring

it out into the light and discuss it.

• Address the “elephant” in the room.

• Address a “problem” member in a timely manner.

• Pray for the Lord’s direction and study the Biblical Conflict Resolution material.

• Consult with your Crown Companies staff member.

• You may have to ask a member to move to another group or resign.

• Meet privately with the person to determine how the problem can be resolved.

• Failure to act decisively may cause the collapse of the group.

• Almost all people problems can be traced to spiritual problems.

• Through prayer and godly counsel the problems can be addressed if the parties

involved are open to God’s leading.

In the end, the greatest measure of success will be to hear the words, “Well done

good and faithful servant”.

Focus presentation guidelinesINSTRUCTIONS for Group Problem Solving:

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1. Presenter completes Focus Presentation Worksheet (Steps #1 – 6) prior to the

meeting or before the presentation begins.

2. The group facilitator assigns a person to take notes for the presenter during

the issue presentation.

3. Presenter describes issue or opportunity and for 25% of the allotted time the

group listens.

4. Each group member asks one clarifying question before a free-flowing

discussion of observations, options and suggestions.

5. Group members write a short suggested course of action to share with the

presenter, using the Recommendation Cards provided by group facilitator.

6. Presenter summarises what they have heard, actions they commit to and how

group can assist in follow-through.

7. One of the group members prays for the presenter and the future steps.

STEP #1 Describe the issue: one or two sentences that get to the heart of the

issue.

STEP #2 It is significant because: reputation, people, products, vendors,

integrity, witness, dollars, family, etc.

STEP #3 Relevant background and influencing factors/obstacles: points that

explain all the key facets, future, etc.

STEP #4 Applicable biblical principles and considerations.

STEP #5 What has been already done? What options have been considered? Or

my ideal outcome is:

STEP #6 Help the presenter wants from the group: What result do I want from

the group? For example, alternative solutions, options I am missing, confidence

regarding the right decision, identification of consequences, where to find more

information, critique of the current plan.

Course of Action: Group members conclude with a written one- or two-sentence

suggested course of action. This is typically shared with the presenter in the

meeting, using the Recommendation Cards provided by the group facilitator.

Presenter summarises:

What they have heard.

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Actions they commit to.

How the group can assist through prayer and action.

Dig deeper and learn more (Optional)

This section includes various support material for further inspiration and

encouragement and relates to the material covered in this section

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Nr Name Date of completion108 A Group leadership training108 B Group facilitators Guidelines

Material adapted by Dr. Mario DentonMario is the International Field Continental Programme Director – Market-place

for Crown Africa, the Africa Director for FCCI (The Fellowship for Companies for

Christ International) and the CEO of Strong Message Business Consultancy. He

is an international teacher and industrial psychologist and uses his strong

academic and corporate background and his uniquely effective coaching to help

people tap into their inner being; to utilise their strengths and expand their skills

to make a difference in the workplace. He and his wife, Mariene, are based in

Cape Town, South Africa, and are blessed with three grown sons.

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ServantCopyright. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information storage and retrieval system without permission. Regarding permission to reprint material from this material, please write to Dr Mario Denton:

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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