How Great Decisions Get Made: 10 Easy Steps for Reaching Agreement on Even the Toughest Issues

Chapter List

Step #1: Enlist Everyone: Invite Hidden as Well as Visible Talent and Avoid Creating Enemies

Step #2: Discover Shared Hopes: Multiply Your Prospects for Success

Step #3: Uncover the Real Issues: Listen to Thoughts and Feelings

Step #4: Identify all Options: See the Whole Tree before You Go Out on a Limb

Step #5: Gather the Right Information: Look Through the Lens of Your Hopes

Step #6: Get Everything on the Table: 100 Percent Information, Zero Percent Debate

Step #7: Write Down Choices that Support Shared Hopes: Take the Guesswork Out of Decisions

Step #8: Map the Solutions: See Clear Results

Step #9: Look Ahead: Be Prepared with Alternatives

Step #10: Stay Charged Up: Celebrate Results and Renew Your Hopes

Part Overview

Part 2 explains how to do each step. You'll see why every step is important and how the steps link together. Examples demonstrate the bottom-line value of using them to translate your hopes into concrete results.

Each step is its own chapter and includes the following elements:

• Step #___in Action

  Read about tough issues in business, government, and community organizations that this step has solved. See how the use of this step contributed to a great decision.

• The Keys to Step #___

  Learn why this step is valuable. Discover the dynamics and nuances of using it effectively.

• Putting Step #___into Practice

  Follow a clear checklist that aids you in applying this step to your own tough issue. Find tools you can use to jump-start your efforts.

As you read about each step, think about opportunities to apply it in your work. Embrace the opportunity to make a difference and enjoy a positive and productive decision-making process. Jot down any concerns you have about using the steps. Part 3 will give you strategies to overcome obstacles.