How do you handle conflicting or inaccurate information from participants or stakeholders?

1 Identify the sources and types of information

The first step is to identify where the information is coming from and what kind of information it is. Is it factual, opinion-based, anecdotal, or speculative? Is it based on evidence, assumptions, or biases? Is it relevant, current, or outdated? Who is providing the information and what are their interests, perspectives, and motivations? By asking these questions, you can assess the reliability and validity of the information and decide how to use it in your facilitation.

2 Clarify and confirm the information

The second step is to clarify and confirm the information with the participants or stakeholders who provided it. You can do this by asking open-ended questions, paraphrasing, summarizing, or repeating what you heard, and requesting for more details, examples, or references. You can also use techniques such as mirroring, reframing, or probing to elicit more information or to challenge assumptions or contradictions. The goal is to ensure that you understand the information correctly and that there are no misunderstandings or gaps.

3 Compare and contrast the information

The third step is to compare and contrast the information with other sources and perspectives. You can do this by conducting your own research, consulting experts, or inviting feedback from other participants or stakeholders. You can also use tools such as SWOT analysis, force field analysis, or decision matrix to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of different information. The goal is to identify the similarities and differences, the advantages and disadvantages, and the implications and consequences of the information.

4 Synthesize and prioritize the information

The fourth step is to synthesize and prioritize the information based on your facilitation objectives and criteria. You can do this by finding common themes, patterns, or trends, and by grouping or categorizing the information. You can also use methods such as voting, ranking, or scoring to prioritize the information according to its importance, urgency, or feasibility. The goal is to create a coherent and comprehensive picture of the information and to focus on the most relevant and useful information.

6 Review and update the information

The sixth step is to review and update the information regularly and as needed. You can do this by monitoring the progress, outcomes, or impacts of your facilitation process and by collecting feedback, data, or evidence. You can also use tools such as surveys, evaluations, or audits to measure the effectiveness, efficiency, or satisfaction of your facilitation process. The goal is to check if the information is still accurate, relevant, or valid and to make adjustments or improvements as necessary.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?