Exercise · Facilitation for Managers
Three Chairs
Feel the difference between a manager's three roles in a meeting and practice switching between them.
Time12 minutes
ParticipantsVolunteers, the group observes
MaterialsThree chairs labeled "Expert", "Manager", "Facilitator"
From the trainingFacilitation for Managers
Why this exercise
In their own team's meeting a manager is at once the expert who knows the subject, the manager who owns the result and the decision, and the facilitator who runs the process. Most often the expert swallows the facilitator: the manager speaks first and the team agrees or stays silent. The exercise makes the roles visible.
How to run it
- Set out three chairs with signs. A volunteer picks a work issue from their team.
- They talk about the issue as the expert — one minute.
- They move to the manager's chair — one minute, then the facilitator's — one minute.
- The group notes how words, voice and posture changed. Repeat with 2–3 volunteers.
Debrief questions
- Which role are you most comfortable in?
- Which role do you slip into without noticing?
- What phrase will you use to announce a change of role in your own meeting?
Tips for the facilitator
- No chairs? Use three sheets of paper on a table. The exercise also works in pairs.
- Demonstrate the first example yourself — it makes it easier for volunteers to step up.
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