Author: Hana Mamnoon
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Understanding and Managing Polarities in Facilitation
Much of facilitation is about holding and navigating tension: between structure and flexibility, speed and depth, individual thinking and group dialogue. Facilitators constantly make judgment calls about how to balance competing, yet equally important, forces in real time. These tensions are not signs that something is going wrong—they are examples of polarities. What Are Polarities?…
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Three Case Studies in Facilitating Through Uncertainty
Last fall, our team at KnowInnovation wrapped up three very different projects, each with its own goals, communities, and scientific domains. What they shared, unexpectedly, was context: all three took place during a federal government shutdown. For organizations and collaborations that include government agencies, a shutdown introduces immediate and very real uncertainty. Participation becomes unclear.…
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Navigating the Challenges of Interdisciplinary Research: A Closer Look at Knowledge Integration
In today’s ever-evolving landscape, interdisciplinary research (IDR) has emerged as a critical tool for tackling complex societal challenges. This blog post delves into the distinctive challenges faced by IDR, focusing on the crucial aspect of knowledge integration. By understanding the unique hurdles posed by diverse disciplines, we can pave the way for more effective and…