Consensus through Conversation

In this summary you will learn

• Why authoritarian-style management is increasingly passé
• What consensus means in group decision making
• How consensus planning fosters initiatives everyone can support
• When to use consensus and when to avoid it
• How to plan, organize, facilitate and implement consensus planning sessions

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Why you should read Consensus through Conversation

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.

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.