It is widely accepted in aviation that the facilitation style is the most successful for training CRM because CRM is very much concerned with attitudes and behaviors, and most adults do not like being instructed in how to behave and what to think. Attitudes and behaviors are based on a person’s past experiences, values and beliefs, which are different from person to person. Therefore, telling people to behave differently carries the implication that their values and beliefs are wrong, and this is not convincing. People generally behave in a way that they think is rational, and often find it easy to justify their behavior to themselves and others. What they may not be aware of, however, is the effects their behavior has on other people or the operation; and that an alternative behavior, which does not question their values but has a more positive effect, may be something they might wish to consider.

 

The technique of facilitation allows this process to occur, although facilitation is not just for the poor performer or for the development of attitudes. Facilitation can be used to reinforce effective behavior because it gives people an understanding of why they are good which encourages their continued development.