Introduce the observer's purpose

Explain who the observer is, what they will watch and whether the participant is comfortable with their presence. The observer needs a narrow learning question, such as how the facilitator handles an unclear request. They should not collect unnecessary customer details or interrupt to demonstrate their own knowledge. A practice session with fictional content may be preferable for early shadowing.

Debrief away from the customer

Afterwards, compare the facilitator's choices with the observer's notes. Discuss the reasoning behind a useful question or a decision to pause the exercise. Do not turn the customer's hesitation into a story for wider circulation. End with a rehearsal the observer can try themselves. Shadowing becomes valuable when observation leads to a specific teaching skill rather than simply attending another session.

Imagine this

Hypothetical programme scene

Hypothetically, a new facilitator watches how a colleague responds when a participant cannot choose a project example. In a private debrief they examine the clarifying question, then practise that technique using fictional material before leading their own session.

Make it practical.

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