Differentiating Between Process and Content

The two words you’ll hear over and over again in facilitation are process and content. These are the two dimensions of any interaction between people.

The content of any meeting is what is being discussed: the task at hand, the subjects being dealt with and the problems being solved. The content is expressed in the agenda and the words that are spoken. Because it’s the verbal portion of the meeting, the content is obvious and typically consumes the attention of the members.

Process deals with how things are being discussed: the methods, procedures, format, and tools used. The process also includes the style of the interaction, the group dynamics, and the climate that’s established. Because the process is silent, it’s harder to pinpoint. It’s the aspect of most meetings that’s largely unseen and often ignored, while people are focused on the content.