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Consensus through Conversation
Book

Consensus through Conversation

How to Achieve High-Commitment Decisions

Larry Dressler
Berrett-Koehler, 2006

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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Innovative
  • Applicable

Recommendation

Large corporations often hire retired generals. This is logical. Generals classically have numerous, well-developed and exquisitely honed executive gifts, strengths and abilities. Plus, they are accustomed to taking command, issuing orders and running big operations. However, as corporations adapt to a brave new world that insists on inclusiveness, the old diktat-style of corporate leadership is becoming musty and threadbare. Today's employees, in particular, those hard-to-replace knowledge workers, want – and expect – to feel empowered and to be part of the action. To that end, Larry Dressler has devised an effective group-planning process that enables organizations to reach true consensus decisions. getAbstract commends Dressler for delivering a superbly organized, compelling treatise on the timely topic of consensus decision-making. He expertly explains the consensus approach and teaches you how to implement consensus planning. To develop plans that everyone in your organization will be glad to support, start with his recommendations.

Take-Aways

  • Decisions you make by executive fiat or majority vote often prove to be much more difficult to implement than those you reach through consensus.
  • Consensus provides a way to combine differing perspectives in a creative manner to develop breakthrough solutions.
  • Meaningful change is possible when people feel committed to a decision they helped develop.

About the Author

Larry Dressler is a consultant who helps business firms and other organizations mobilize their shared commitment to change. He specializes in planning and facilitating meetings that address important corporate issues.

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