Review - Herald Interactive, the
Web site of the Boston Herald
October 22, 2006
By Michael Ryan
THE BOOK: "Consensus Through Conversation: How to Achieve High-Commitment Decisions," by Larry Dressler (Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc., San Francisco, 2006).
THE BUZZ: This slim book establishes its premise very early. It is a "guide for the effective facilitation and practice of one of business's most popular -- but most widely misunderstood - decision-making models: consensus." Dressler, president of Blue Wing Consulting, suggests there are many factors and elements needed for the process to work.
THE CRITIQUE: This is a useful guide that explains practical theory and commonsense suggestions and frameworks for getting a disparate group of individuals to function and work toward a singular goal.
Working together, which is a common theme throughout, takes focus, vision and intelligence; Dressler explains, cogently, how to achieve all three. Dressler writes, "Once a consensus decision is made and a written record of the decision completed, I like to have group members sign the final proposal or decision report. The signature is a formal way for members to indicate their intentions to actively support implementation."
Dressler does tend, at times, to bog down in management-manual theory. But when he simplifies, the results are excellent. The best chapter is "Ten Tips For Better Consensus Meetings." Here, Dressler condenses his premises and suppositions. As a result, his tips are easy to follow and comprehend.
Secrets in Creating Highly
Successful Off-Site Retreats
» The Evolved Leader: Moving Beyond Blame
The Good Part About It Being a Jungle Out There
Interview with Larry Dressler on Sirius Radio's "Good Business"