What is the primary role of a facilitator during a postmortem meeting?

The primary role of a facilitator during a postmortem meeting is to read non-verbal cues and assess feelings. This involves creating an environment where team members feel safe and encouraged to share their thoughts and emotions about the incident that occurred. By understanding non-verbal communication, the facilitator can better gauge the group's dynamics and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to express themselves, leading to a more productive discussion.

A skilled facilitator uses these insights to manage the conversation, draw out quieter participants, and maintain a respectful and constructive atmosphere. This emotional awareness is crucial for addressing any underlying feelings that may affect the discussions, such as frustration or anxiety, ultimately helping the team reflect more effectively on the incident and learn from it.

The other roles mentioned, such as dominating the discussion or taking minutes, do not align with the primary responsibilities of a facilitator. Dominating the discussion can stifle contributions from team members and hinder open dialogue, while simply taking minutes fails to engage with the group on a deeper level. Providing final decisions on action items also detracts from the collaborative nature of a postmortem, which should focus on collective insights and shared learning rather than top-down directives.