What is the name of the process when a facilitator meets with the major participants in a project to identify shared goals?

The process of having a facilitator meet with major participants in a project to identify shared goals is known as partnering. Partnering is a collaborative approach that seeks to enhance teamwork, communication, and trust among all parties involved in a project. By bringing together key stakeholders—such as clients, contractors, and subcontractors—partnering sessions aim to establish common objectives, understand each party's roles, and foster a spirit of cooperation from the outset of the project.

This proactive engagement helps mitigate conflicts, encourages a focus on project success, and often leads to more efficient problem-solving throughout the project's lifecycle. It is distinct from other processes like arbitration, which is typically a legal procedure for resolving disputes, mediation, which involves a neutral third party facilitating a dialogue to reach an agreement often in the context of a conflict, and claims resolution, which specifically addresses disputes over claims related to project performance or contract terms. Partnering sets the stage for a collaborative environment, making it an essential practice in successful project management.