Lemons to Lemonade: Resolving Problems in Meetings, Workshops, and PLCs

by Robert J. Garmston, Diane P. Zimmerman

No more unproductive meetings! The complete guide to getting the most out of every gathering of educators.

Do your meetings spiral angrily out of control? Or simply not make the most of the participants’ talents? Lemons to Lemonade by Robert J. Garmston and Diane P. Zimmerman is the playbook you need to promote civil, productive discourse,

How to prepare yourself to facilitate the discussion and keep it on task Best practices for squashing conflict without wounding pride Methods for dealing with "frowners," "interrupters," "subject-changers," "humorists," and other time-waster types With this book, you will never waste another opportunity for problems to get solved by the combined powers of capable minds. "Garmston and Zimmerman have written a book that is the perfect blending of theory and research with very practical, user-ready techniques for facilitating meetings AND for dealing with specific challenges. I would LOVE to see this kind of training offered for administrators!" —David Chojnacki, Executive Director Near East South Asia Council of Overseas Schools

Genres: Nonfiction, Leadership, Education

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 18, 2013

About the author

Robert J. Garmston is an educator, author, and cognitive theorist. He is Professor Emeritus, School of Education, at California State University, Sacramento.

Reviews

[Julia · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were some useful tips, but the book seemed to be more directed at administrators than teachers. Most of the suggestions were very general which made it difficult to get a clear picture of what to do. The language that was suggested seems very stiff and formal, not something that I would use on a daily basis.

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for facilitators of all experience levels. I found myself thinking back to difficult facilitation moments and reflecting on how the techniques presented in this book would have helped. A small, easily referenced book to throw in your facilitator's toolkit.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you facilitate groups or lead meetings this is a great resource book. Anything by Garmston, Wellman, or Costa will help you create fabulous collaborative groups, no matter the setting.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good strategies, but there’s just something about a book you HAVE to read vs one you choose on your own.

[Stuart Macalpine · Rating 4 out of 5]

As you would expect from Bob Garmston, one of the fathers of Cognitive Coaching, this is full of wisdom. It is always hard to actually act upon 'good advice', as Oscar Wilde said, the only thing to do with it is 'pass it on'. However, there are clear action points for thinking about how successful group interactions work, and how best to intervene. Everything he says is also true of classroom discussions and indeed conferences with students. A life time of wisdom on a small topic.

[Melkny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful in helping collaboration and professional learning relationships move to implementation with students. The few suggestions that I wouldn't feel comfortable using in practice helped spark ideas that I could try.

[Karin Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

One book I use a lot when working with teacher groups! I need to review. Love the Adaptive School approach.