Mediation, Facilitation and “The Hollywood Model”

I recently had an opportunity to be on the set of a major Hollywood movie filming nearby.  For three days – the first three days of filming for this massive project – I got the chance to observe an entirely different workplace in action.  There were beautiful celebrities, harried assistant directors and production assistants, giant cameras and improbably large set pieces, and over a hundred extras.  There was movie magic a plenty.  And there was also total chaos.

Standing next to an assistant director, I could hear profanity laden orders shouted down through his head set.  Decisions were made, then changed, then made again in a repeated loop throughout the 14 to 15 hour days on set.  With each change came terse language, barked orders and more profanity.  Production assistants scurried about, extras milled around, and everyone was tired, hungry and confused.  The left hand had no idea what the right hand was doing.

By the end of the second day of filming, I could see that there were several meltdowns happening all over the set.  Although everyone had started out so enthusiastic and invested, that good will was beginning to quickly deteriorate.  No one looked like they were having any fun.  At the end of the day, after a grueling 15 hours on set, an assistant director was sent out to apologize to everyone about total lack of communication.  And this was only day two of a two month shoot.

Watching the chaos, all I could think was, “What this workplace needs is a good mediator and facilitator.”  

Facilitated dialogues are critical tools to help workplaces function smoothly.  Like any workplace, for a movie set to function smoothly good communication is critical.  Facilitated dialogues are one of the best methods to ensure effective communication in a work environment.

For example, on this particular set, it was clear that there was no obvious chain of command.  As a result, no one knew exactly what their roles were, and everyone was afraid of making decisions.  A facilitated dialogue could have prevented this by bringing everyone together, establishing what the ultimate goals are, clearly establishing what everyone’s role is, identifying problems to working within those roles to achieve those goals, and finally brainstorming solutions. 

In essence, facilitation can help a workplace establish the mechanisms it needs to achieve its goals in the most productive and efficient manner.  And a well-trained workplace mediator is the perfect person to help establish those mechanisms by facilitating the necessary discussions.

Much has been made lately about the so-called “Hollywood model.”  Pundits figure that this is the business model of the future, wherein talented teams are brought in to accomplish projects, just as a team of highly skilled individuals is brought in to complete a major motion picture.  There may be merit to this model, but my experience on set has shown me that one member of the team cannot be overlooked.  The mediator and facilitator is critical to helping ensure effective communication, increase employee engagement, and help solve the problems that stand in the way of staying on time, on budget and on message.  And that sounds like a true Hollywood happy ending.