Must a neutral facilitator be present to conduct the partnering workshop?

In the context of conducting a partnering workshop, the presence of a neutral facilitator is not mandatory. This flexibility allows any party involved in the project, whether it be a representative from the owner, contractor, or architect, to take on the facilitator role. The rationale behind this approach is that the workshop can still be productive and collaborative even without a neutral facilitator. This arrangement may also foster a deeper understanding of various perspectives and encourage open dialogue among all parties.

While using a neutral facilitator can be beneficial in promoting unbiased discussions and keeping the workshop focused, it is not a requirement. The essence of a partnering workshop is to create a collaborative environment where stakeholders can discuss their goals and establish mutual trust and open communication. Therefore, the understanding that any party can facilitate maintains the workshop's intent without necessitating a neutral third party.