Purpose
Interpretive park rangers must be able to provide input
into the interpretive planning process and perform as
effective members on an interpretive planning team.
Regardless of the level of involvement, the interpretive
park ranger must understand how an interpretive planning
team operates and be ready to respond accordingly from
site to site and project to project. Of special importance
is recognizing the responsibilities of the team facilitator
and other team members as well as finding ways to work
together to address problems, achieve consensus, and
develop strategies to accomplish effective team planning.
Objectives
At the completion of this component, learners will be
able to:
Perform
as effective planning team members;
Explain
the importance of consensus building in team situations;
Describe
the role of the team facilitator.
Approach
This component aims to develop the knowledge and skills
necessary to become an effective interpretive planning
team participant. The learner needs to recognize the
importance, attributes, and responsibilities of an effective
team member. The learner should also consider how his/her
own knowledge, values, perspectives, convictions, conduct,
and other attributes can contribute to or conflict with
consensus building.
A. Provides for multiple points of view/diverse
perspectives
B. Provides potential for ideas to build upon one
another and create synergy
C. Creates ownership among team members and those
they represent
II.
The role and function of team members
A. Assembling a team is a collaboration between
the park and the assigned HFC or consulting planner.
B. Different perspectives and expertise
1. resource expert
2. planner
3. park staff
4. park partners
5. stakeholders
6. interest group representatives
7. recorder
C. Responsibilities of the facilitator
1. manage the team process
2. develop consensus
3. coordinate logistics
4. ensures objectives and timelines are met
5. tracking team decisions and self-imposed needs
III.
Building consensus
A. What is consensus?
B. Principles of consensus building
1. outcomes are acceptable to all participants,
100% agreement is unnecessary
2. active participation
3. common base of information
4. positive/supportive atmosphere
5. respect disagreements
6. identify and validate assumptions when necessary
7. identify the unmet need/problem
C. Attitudes which promote consensus
1. open-minded willingness to listen and consider
multiple points of view
2. express viewpoint openly and directly
3. willingness to be persuaded
4. listen non-defensively
5. commit to the search for creative solutions
D. Skills for developing consensus
1. identify and validate the problem or what is
not being addressed
2. determine the level of disagreement
3. test assumptions regularly
4. search for creative solutions or missing elements
5. test consensus when it becomes evident
The Art of Facilitation, NPS, conducted by William
Southworth and Sara S. Grigsby, WASA and New Health,
1996.
Planning for Interpretation and Visitor Experience,
Harpers Ferry Center, Division of Interpretive Planning
(Available on Harpers Ferry Center homepage-HFC.nps.gov
)
Suggested
Developmental Activities
1. Observe, as a non-participant, an interpretive planning
meeting. Did the meeting have clear objectives? Describe
the process through which the facilitator and team members
developed consensus. Were there problems? How were the
problems overcome? How did team member personalities
affect consensus building? Did all team members contribute
effectively? Did the team have the appropriate resources
to accomplish its objectives? Were multiple points of
view represented AND respected? How did the facilitator
contribute to the success or failure of the team?
2. Participate in a team-based project. Did your team
work well together? Were there personality conflicts?
Did you feel like you could express your opinion freely?
Were your opinions respected? Did you respect the opinions
of others? Were you listened to and did you listen to
others? Did the group develop consensus? Were any members
left out? Were multiple points of view represented and
respected?
