A step-by-step guide to the most efficient and effective method for participatory group decision-making
Are you frustrated by that common challenge called group decision-making? Consensus-Oriented Decision-Making can help! Clearly written and well organized, keep this book by your side and refer to it often. Groups you are part of will function better as a result.
-- Peggy Holman, author, Engaging Emergence: Turning Upheaval into Opportunity
For any group or organization to function effectively, it must be able to make decisions well. Consensus-Oriented Decision-Making is the first book to offer groups (and group facilitators) a clear and efficient path to generating widespread agreement while fostering full participation and true collaboration.
Poised to become the new standard for group facilitation, Consensus-Oriented Decision-Making combines:
- Deep insight into complex group dynamics
- Effective conflict resolution techniques
- Powerful communication skills
Groups using this simple, step-by-step approach experience increased cohesion and commitment and stronger relationships as a result of their successful cooperation.
Incorporating the principles of collaboration, inclusion, empathy, and open-mindedness, the consensus-oriented decision-making (CODM) process encourages shared ownership of group decisions. The method can be used in any group situation, regardless of whether the final decision-making power rests with a single person or team, a vote of members, or unanimity.
Business, government, nonprofit, social, and community organizations can all benefit from Consensus-Oriented Decision-Making . Whether you are a designated facilitator or an active participant, understanding this powerful framework will help you contribute to the success of your group through achieving maximum participation and efficiency, a clearer decision-making process, better decisions, and improved group dynamics.
Tim Hartnett, PhD, is a group facilitator and mediator who blends extensive knowledge of non-violent communication with insightful understanding of group dynamics and effective techniques for conflict resolution.
About the Author: Tim Hartnett, Ph.D. is a group facilitator, mediator, and family therapist. Tim earned a PhD in psychology studying high conflict families in divorce. He taught group process at John F. Kennedy graduate school. He has combined best practices from the fields of professional facilitation, conflict resolution, and non-violent communication to develop CODM, a model that can help any group find the widespread agreement they need to work together well.
