Clues to Achieving Consensus: A Leader's Guide to Navigating Collaborative Problem Solving

Dr. Hanson”s book is an excellent mix of case studies, ready to apply principles and skills, and in-depth process knowledge, all grounded in three decades of experience reflection and study. A must read for any of us seeking greater productivity in our personal, civic and/or professional lives and relationships. — Dr. David Ostermeier, Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Tennessee

Dr. Hanson has offered the road map that I was fortunate enough to personally experience. She provided direction to move from an autocratic style of management to a collaborative, problem-solving environment that thrived on consensus. This book is a must read for any manager or administrator who wants to achieve excellence in the product they produce or the youth they educate. — Jim Swearingen, general manager, Retired of United States Steel”s Minnesota Taconite Operation

Development of a consensus based decision-making model, based on information in this book, will improve morale as the service providers, whether they are teachers or widget makers, will have a direct action on the decisions which affect the work they do. — Jim Luoma, superintendent of Grand Rapids, Minnesota Public Schools, retired, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees,

To deal with today”s many challenges, we have to operate in a new, fairly uncharted, territory where people with diverse backgrounds and divergent opinions must collaborate to somehow broker successful outcomes. Clues to Consensus offers a roadmap andtravel guidelines that readers can follow to reach destinations in this new territory successfully…. — Diane Sprague, president, Lifetime Home Project, Minneapolis, MN

A well-researched, thoughtful and insightful discussion on collaborative problem solving.

All my research indicates, when leaders take time to build consensus through a shared decision-making process, they achieve greater results. This book teaches leaders the most critical tools to move their entire organization forward through the consensus or shared decision-making process. Hats off to Mirja Hanson for putting together a true leader”s manual for this incredibly powerful leadership tool. — Dave Webb, Ed.D., principal, Fridley High School, Minnesota

To deal with today”s many challenges, we have to operate in a new, fairly uncharted, territory where people with diverse backgrounds and divergent opinions must collaborate to somehow broker successful outcomes. Clues to Consensus offers a roadmap and travel guidelines that readers can follow to reach destinations in this new territory successfully. — Diane Sprague, president, Lifetime Home Project, Minneapolis, MN

Aimed at school districts, agencies, organizations, and communities using consensus decision-making, this guide offers step-by-step advice to achieving consensus. Hanson uses real-life scenarios to illustrate pitfalls and success factors.