Phase 6
Task: Enlist an Unbiased Team of Facilitators to Conduct the Focus Group Interviews
The integrity of the information captured in the interviews is paramount and directly impacted by the consistency of the process used to execute the focus group interviews. It can be challenging to conduct interviews across an entire state, gather diverse perspectives, and not become overwhelmed by the complexity of issues related to communications interoperability. Managing a discussion between stakeholders who are passionate about improving interoperability requires focus and the ability to manage disagreements that may arise. An impartial facilitator will encourage full participation, open discussions, and allow strong opinions and active disagreement to surface.
The Virginia project team used professional facilitators to conduct the interviews. This enabled the state interoperability coordinator to listen to each regional interview with the strategic planning session in mind. Virginia’s sponsor tracked cross-regional themes, group dynamics, regional leaders, and positioned himself as an advocate for the local first responder community, responsible for carrying their message to state leadership and policymakers.