In a collaborative effort to boost personal development and effectiveness within Northland's sports sector, a recent Facilitation and Presentation workshop was conducted, signalling a new era of enhanced techniques for facilitating hui, meetings, and workshops.

This initiative, spearheaded by the Northland Sports Coalition (NSC), emerged from a keen awareness of the importance of workforce personal development and the fact that as sports administrators, we spend a lot of time presenting, in workshops and meetings as well as out in the field. Upon reaching out to leaders within various organisations, the NSC received feedback, culminating in the identification of four priority topics for workshops and presentations.

Among these topics, the Facilitation and Presentation workshop stood out prominently, championed by Josh Port, the NSC Indoor Sports category representative.  Recommended by Sport NZ for his expertise in the field, Paul McGregor helped our Northland Sports leaders improve their effectiveness as facilitators.

The workshop boasted a diverse attendance of 14 representatives from the sector, including Touch, Cricket, Football, Golf, Netball, Parafed, Basketball, Hockey, Sport Northland and ReSport Charitable Trust. Participants gleaned invaluable insights on minimising time and stress and walked away from the session with a structured planning framework for designing impactful workshops and meetings, a flexible toolkit of facilitation methods, and strategies for managing nerves and emotions during presentations.

This collaborative endeavour not only equips leaders within the sports sector with essential skills but also fosters stronger ties and a shared commitment to excellence. As Northland's sporting community continues to evolve and thrive, such initiatives pave the way for greater success and impact across the board. As Paul highlighted – to ask is to lead!

The facilitation workshop was a productive journey of insightful concepts, engaging skills and fresh perspectives. I left feeling empowered and confident to embrace future facilitation with easy structures, with a light-hearted approach, while fostering a collaborative atmosphere. Sharron Gibson – ReSport Charitable Trust.

Paul McGregor’s toolbox around facilitation was invaluable, particularly in the timing heading into Clubs Hui's the following week. His extensive knowledge, experience and expertise in facilitating workshops and hui was put to good use and increased my confidence in how to plan, prepare and engage in what can sometimes be a challenging environment. James Coleman – Northern Regional Football Area Manager

For more information on Paul McGregor, check out his website www.paulmcgregor.co.nz

Article written by Joey yovich, Sport Northland's Regional Sport Connector