Going deeper involves anticipating, listening, recognizing and attending to the essential matter facing a group.

Being willing to stop and open up a space to the underlying dynamics and feelings.

Taking the time to find and explore deeper in to the crux of the issues that emerges.

Anticipating in advance or flexibly allowing time in the agenda in the moment for further, more intensive exploration

Paying attention to what invites more focused examination

Probing beneath the surface to discover or clarify an issue.

Usually more an exploratory than an analytic process

One item/issue of many on the agenda in the moment may cry out for urgent attention; going deeper would suggest clearing other things off the agenda and just attending to this.

Going deeper is being responsive to emotional currents-- anticipating and acknowledging when issues are especially hot, perspectives intensely articulated, feelings particularly strong

Where the facilitator and group dance together. They need you because they have not been able to do it themselves, they know what it is, but they need you to help them untangle it.

Example – ISW feedback (describe), Senge- Why is that important x 5, Dynamic facilitation, Theory U

Example in a several day event – we know it is likely there may be storming in the latter half. Build the design to allow and take advantage of this opportunity to drill down and still have time for closure.

Set up the design with exploratory design, agenda is open (depend a the group goals and issues)

When planning the agenda for a meeting/event, don’t over pack it so there is time for going deeper as the need emerges in the moment.

Be attentive to potential barriers to the important work getting done.

You know it’s time to consider going deeper when:

Example I have the sense that the energy is flat. In some groups that can mean there is an underlying current that has not been expressed. The energy shifts, and off hand comment that points to what people have not been talking out suggests a need to check it out.

If group is reluctant to move on

If someone makes a sarcastic comment

Sense of tension

Any kind of veiled reference or generalities

strategies for going deeper:

Hone in – a good questions, change mode - get into small groups to discuss how you feel, what is the crux for you. Or put it to the whole group…slow down… let people catch up, let people breath.

Be willing to adjust schedule or process to give group time. Ask group if they are ready & willing to delve further…    check in….   notice, check in, get agreement…

Cautions & Caveats:

If you go for low hanging fruit, you get some results.

No need to drill deep if you are getting what you need.

Facilitator may sense/think something is important and suggest going deeper, but this area may not be important to the group. 

It may be an abuse of power to drill down arbitrarily. Who are you to drill if no cues have been presented.

Why are people reticent to go deeper: may bring up uncomfortable truths. Fear of retribution. Fear of not knowing where an inquiry/exploration/discussion will take the group

Drilling down when not appropriate or indicated, or don’t have agreement of group can be considered over facilitation. There may be a good reason why people are not willing to go there. Facilitator will be gone at the end of the day

If going deeper into emotionally charged terrain, may be a good time to remind group of the agreements/ground rules.

And then there is a time stop drilling down and have lunch.