Holding Space for Unpopular Opinions in Facilitated Discussions ft Janice Boafo

Living Out Loud Discussion Series

I sat down with facilitation expert, Janice Boafo, to get into the turbulent waters of group dynamics, challenging the status quo, and holding space for unpopular opinions to create transformative dialogue and shared accountability.

Discover how to navigate these moments in group settings as a facilitator or leader, and learn valuable insights on balancing authenticity with core values. With powerful questions and intentional discussions, we draw upon our own experiences to guide you in inviting open and meaningful conversations. Join us as we get into the importance of shared accountability in creating change within your teams and organizations. Don't miss this engaging conversation that will inspire you to challenge the status quo and embrace diverse perspectives.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Enhance group dynamics by learning the art of holding space for unpopular opinions.

• Foster inclusivity and understanding by creating a safe environment for diverse perspectives to thrive.

• Gain insight into the responsibilities of facilitators in group settings and learn how to effectively navigate challenging conversations.

• Transform your group sessions from passive learning experiences to experiential development opportunities for deeper understanding and growth.

• Find the balance between authenticity and core values in open dialogue, creating a space where all voices are heard and respected.

The guest for this episode is Janice Boafo

Janice Boafo is an experienced professional in the field of social work with a background in coaching and training. She brings a wealth of expertise to the table. As a licensed clinical social worker, she has worked extensively with social workers, resource parents, and drug and alcohol counselors. Janice's passion for facilitating spaces and creating community led her to start her own company called Evergreen Cypher. Through her business, she aims to foster growth, potential, and connection within communities. Her ability to witness, see, and hear others is truly special. Janice has a grounded earthly energy and an appreciation for lessons that are revealed from personal experiences- these have helped her embrace the messiness of DEI work. With her guidance, facilitators and leaders can learn valuable techniques for creating safe and inclusive spaces where unpopular opinions can be explored and understood.

One of My Fav Moments 🧡 Shared Space and Group Agreements
A crucial part of shared spaces involves negotiating group agreements, or commitments. This covers not just the boundaries of conversation but also the actions and behaviors of people within the space. At its core, this is a collective experience. Janice and I talked about the essentiality of shared accountability in creating and maintaining the space everyone is in together. Janice talks about her approach to facilitation, focusing on collective thinking and decision-making, which involves acknowledging and respecting the uniqueness of each group.

Share this episode with people so they can learn with you- use it as a discussion tool with groups, teams, supervisors, and your network. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and follow us across our platforms!

• http://www.livingunapologetically.com

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• https://twitter.com/LivingDEI

To get in touch with Janice Boafo, you can contact her here:

• Email: [e-mail]

The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:00 - Setting the Stage,
00:01:13 - Getting to Know Janice Boafo,
00:06:09 - Understanding Holding Space,
00:09:57 - No Spectators,
00:10:48 - Facilitating vs. Directing,
00:16:03 - Holding Space and Activations,
00:17:52 - Holding Space for Unpopular Opinions,
00:19:48 - Parallel Process of Facilitation,
00:23:15 - Shared Space and Group Agreements,
00:31:03 - Openness to New Ideas,
00:31:57 - Experience and Understanding,
00:34:15 - Challenging Conversations,
00:38:49 - Multiple Truths,
00:41:30 - Holding Space for Differences,
00:47:36 - Understanding the Inner Workings of Facilitation,
00:49:09 - Embracing the Unpredictability of Facilitation,
00:50:12 - Knowing Your Gifts as a Facilitator,
00:51:24 - Self-Regulation and Honoring Personal Experiences,
00:55:35 - Creating an Intensified Moment of Connection,
01:04:11 - The Responsibility to Protect People,
01:05:15 - Holding Space for the Process,
01:07:02 - Highlighting Discrepancies and Inviting Consideration,
01:08:33 - False Harmony and the Stifling of Diversity,
01:10:03 - Embracing Change and Diversity,