How to avoid becoming too strict with facilitation guidelines?

Some tips and tricks:

• Keep checking if you are flexible and open to the group’s perspective by asking yourself: “Do we need to go into this matter now, will this be beneficial for the team?”
• Consider different viewpoints as opportunities to learn.
• Invite participants to join the conversation using collaborative language.
• The best breeding ground for fruitful conversation is one that feels safe enough to speak up.

Remember, if you are totally exhausted by the end of the facilitation, it means you likely had too big of a role. Ask yourself what you could have done differently.