Standing in the Fire
Book

Standing in the Fire

Leading high-heat meetings with clarity, calm, and courage

Larry Dressler
Berrett-Koehler, 2010

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Editorial Rating

7

Qualities

  • Applicable

Recommendation

Your mother may have told you not to play with matches, but you can’t always avoid fiery exchanges when you facilitate a meeting or lead a group. Organizational development consultant Larry Dressler explains why you should encourage rather than stifle heated discussions. He shares ways to control those personal “hot buttons” – sensitivities you’ve developed from past experiences – that can make you lose your cool in the heat of the moment. He reveals six steps for dealing with hot topics to help you successfully run a meaningful session when tempers flare. The book is a bit repetitious, and its advice may be familiar to readers of self-help books; however, it does contain practical suggestions and useful anecdotes that do a good job of illustrating its points. getAbstract recommends its expert guidance and practice exercises to anyone who leads or works with teams, whether in the workplace, on the playing field or at home.

Summary

“The Power of Fire”

If you work with groups – particularly if you lead meetings – you often will find yourself “standing in the fire” of a heated discussion. A fire is more likely to ignite when a meeting’s outcome is unpredictable, a lot rides on its decisions, or its topic is difficult or easily misunderstood. Passions also can erupt if the group has experienced past defeats and is exhausted, or if its members don’t welcome divergent opinions, have hidden agendas or are a mix of very different personalities and perspectives. Too often, leaders stifle hostile conversations and discourage disagreement, but if you manage these challenges wisely, then dissent, confusion and even breakdown can lead to positive change. If you remain open, you can create an atmosphere where people feel comfortable and safe enough to share how they really feel. Focus on perfecting your role as a “fire tender” who channels the dynamic energy of conflict and passion into productive, innovative forces.

“Destructive and Creative Group Fire”

As discussions intensify, the participants can become repressed and upset, or even hostile. Ad hominem attacks may occur. If the leader mishandles...

About the Author

Larry Dressler, an organizational development consultant, also wrote Consensus Through Conversation.

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