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

by Mirja P. Hanson

Here is a step-by-step guide to effective action in school districts, agencies, companies, organizations, and communities by using consensus decision-making. This book is based on the advice of experienced public and private leaders and participants who have used consensus approaches to solve problems in past decades. Mirja P. Hanson gives readers an overview of how consensus actually happens as opposed to how it should happen. She details the major pitfalls and critical success factors of consensus decision-making and describes real-life scenarios. ·Overviews of the consensus basics including definitions, trends, and comparisons to other forms of decision-making ·Results of consensus-building ·A description of the dynamics of consensus politics ·Strategies that call the process to order ·Advice on the pressure points of navigating the dialogue ·A description of the ways that participants can enhance and influence consensus solutions The experiments and expertise of consensus pioneers will convince readers to use consensus building as a regular leadership tool for enhancing daily operations and future directions in their community or organization.

236 pages, Paperback

First published December 28, 2005

Reviews

[Gregory S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a game changer for anyone who has ever tried to lead a group toward a shared decision. Mirja P. Hanson does something remarkable here. She does not just tell you what consensus should look like in theory. She shows you what it actually looks like when real people with real disagreements sit in a room together. The step by step approach is refreshing and grounded. The author draws on decades of experience with public and private leaders who have used consensus approaches to solve problems. What I appreciated most was the honest discussion of pitfalls. So many books on collaboration paint an unrealistically rosy picture. Hanson acknowledges the messiness and gives you tools to navigate it. The section on pressure points in dialogue was especially helpful for me. I have already started applying some of these strategies in my organization. This is a must read for managers, administrators, and anyone who wants to move beyond autocratic decision making toward something more inclusive and effective. The real life scenarios make the concepts stick. Highly recommended.

[Alan Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many books on decision making and facilitation. Most of them describe an idealized version of consensus that rarely happens in practice. Mirja P. Hanson takes a different approach. She gives readers an overview of how consensus actually happens as opposed to how it should happen. That single distinction makes this book worth its weight in gold. The author details major pitfalls and critical success factors that I have seen play out in my own work with community organizations. The strategies that call the process to order are practical and immediately usable. I also valued the description of the dynamics of consensus politics. This is not a fluffy feel good book. It is a serious guide for serious leaders who want to make collaboration work. The advice on navigating dialogue pressure points helped me reframe how I approach difficult conversations. I finished this book feeling equipped rather than overwhelmed. If you work in school districts, agencies, companies, or community organizations, this book belongs on your shelf.

[Emilia Hoffmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The experiments and expertise of consensus pioneers convinced me to use consensus building as a regular leadership tool. That is exactly what the author promises and she delivers. Mirja P. Hanson has written a book that makes consensus feel achievable rather than aspirational. The step by step guide is clear and the real life scenarios are instructive. I especially appreciated the focus on enhancing daily operations. This is not just a book about big strategic decisions. It is about how you run your organization every day. The overview of consensus basics including definitions and trends gave me a solid foundation. The results of consensus building section provided evidence I could share with my team. The description of the dynamics of consensus politics helped me anticipate challenges before they arose. I have already seen improvements in how my team makes decisions. We are more efficient and more united. This book is a gift to leaders who want to do better. I highly recommend it.

[Charlotte Ledger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a solid resource for any leader who wants to move beyond top down decision making. Mirja P. Hanson has written a book that is both practical and grounded in real experience. The step by step guide is easy to follow and the advice is actionable. I found the discussion of major pitfalls and critical success factors to be the most valuable part. It helped me anticipate challenges before they derailed our process. The real life scenarios are relatable and the author's voice is authoritative without being preachy. The section on the dynamics of consensus politics was eye opening. I had not fully appreciated how much group dynamics influence the success or failure of consensus efforts. My only reason for four stars rather than five is that I wanted more case studies. The book has good examples but I could have used even more. That said what is here is excellent. I would recommend this to managers and administrators who want to improve how their teams make decisions. It is a worthwhile investment of time.

[Jon Boat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well researched, thoughtful and insightful discussion on collaborative problem solving. Mirja P. Hanson has done the work of synthesizing decades of experience from public and private leaders into a coherent and practical guide. The book covers everything from consensus basics to the subtleties of group dynamics. I found the section on the ways that participants can enhance and influence consensus solutions particularly valuable. It gave me a new perspective on how to involve quieter members of my team. The advice on pressure points of navigating dialogue was immediately applicable. I used some of the techniques in a contentious meeting last week and the difference was noticeable. The author writes with authority but also with humility. She acknowledges that consensus is hard and does not pretend otherwise. That honesty makes the book trustworthy. I have recommended it to several colleagues and will continue to do so. If you want to improve how your organization makes decisions, start here.

[John Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a solid and useful book on consensus decision making. Mirja P. Hanson draws on extensive experience and offers practical strategies that work in real settings. The step by step guide is clear and the real life scenarios are helpful. I especially liked the section on navigating pressure points in dialogue. That advice alone was worth the price of the book. The overview of consensus basics is thorough and the comparison to other decision making forms is useful for explaining consensus to skeptics. My only reservation is that some sections felt a bit dense. I had to read certain chapters twice to fully absorb the concepts. That said the content is valuable and the author clearly knows her subject deeply. The book is based on the advice of experienced leaders and that grounding in real practice makes it credible. I would recommend this to anyone who leads groups and wants to improve how decisions get made. It is not a light read but it is a worthwhile one.

[Melissa Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Hanson has offered the road map that many of us need but did not know how to find. This book provides direction to move from an autocratic style of management to a collaborative problem solving environment that thrives on consensus. I know this because I have lived it. After reading this book I completely reconsidered how I run meetings and make decisions. The author does not just tell you that consensus is better. She shows you how to get there step by step. The overview of consensus basics is clear enough for beginners but deep enough for experienced facilitators. The section on pitfalls saved me from several mistakes I would have otherwise made. The discussion of critical success factors gave me a checklist to evaluate my own approach. I especially appreciated the real life scenarios that illustrate both successes and failures. This is not a theoretical book. It is a practical manual for anyone who wants to lead differently. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

[Simon James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Hanson's book is an excellent mix of case studies, ready to apply principles and skills, and in depth process knowledge. All of it is grounded in three decades of experience, reflection, and study. That combination is rare and valuable. I have read books that are heavy on theory but light on application. This is not one of them. Every chapter gives you something you can use immediately. The strategies that call the process to order have been particularly helpful in my work with volunteer committees. The advice on navigating the pressure points of dialogue has improved my facilitation skills noticeably. The author writes with clarity and respect for the reader. She does not waste words. She gets to the point and gives you tools. I finished this book feeling more confident in my ability to lead collaborative processes. A must read for any of us seeking greater productivity in our personal, civic, or professional lives. This book delivers on its promise.

[Noah Schneider · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book delivers on its promise to provide a step by step guide to consensus decision making. Mirja P. Hanson covers the essentials clearly and offers practical advice throughout. I found the sections on consensus basics and results of consensus building to be the strongest parts. They gave me a solid foundation and evidence to support using consensus in my organization. The discussion of pressure points in dialogue was helpful though I wished it had gone deeper. Some of the advice felt a bit general and I wanted more specific examples of how to handle particular difficult situations. The real life scenarios were good but I could have used more of them. The book is well researched and the author clearly knows her subject. The writing is clear and accessible. I would recommend this to leaders who are new to consensus decision making. It provides a strong starting point. Experienced practitioners may find some sections review but there are still valuable nuggets throughout.

[Charles Holcombade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most books about consensus decision making are either too idealistic or too cynical. Mirja P. Hanson finds the middle ground. She gives readers an overview of how consensus actually happens as opposed to how it should happen. That honesty is what makes this book so valuable. The author details the major pitfalls and critical success factors of consensus decision making with real life scenarios that feel authentic. I have been in meetings that went exactly like the ones she describes. The section on the dynamics of consensus politics was illuminating. I had never seen that dimension of group decision making explained so clearly. The strategies for calling the process to order are practical and tested. The advice on pressure points has helped me stay calm and effective when conversations get heated. This is a book that respects the reader's intelligence and experience. It does not talk down to you. It equips you. I am grateful to have found it.

[Cillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been searching for a book like this for years. Most books on decision making are either too academic or too simplistic. Mirja P. Hanson has written the missing manual for collaborative decision making. She covers the consensus basics including definitions, trends, and comparisons to other forms of decision making. That context helped me explain to my board why we needed to change our approach. The results of consensus building section gave me evidence to share with skeptics. The description of the dynamics of consensus politics was eye opening. I had never seen that aspect of group behavior explained so clearly. The strategies that call the process to order have saved several of my meetings from going off the rails. The advice on pressure points of navigating dialogue is worth the price of the book alone. This is a resource I will return to again and again. If you lead any kind of group, buy this book.

[Elisa Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

My organization is full of talented people who work in silos. We needed a way to bring them together. This book showed me how to use consensus decision making to turn a group of individuals into a real team. Mirja P. Hanson gives a step by step guide that is clear and actionable. The overview of consensus basics helped me understand the foundations. The results of consensus building gave me a vision of what was possible. The description of the dynamics of consensus politics prepared me for the resistance I knew would come. The strategies that call the process to order have been invaluable for keeping our meetings productive. The advice on navigating pressure points of dialogue has improved my facilitation skills significantly. The real life scenarios made the concepts stick. I have already seen improvements in how my team works together. This book is a gift to any leader who wants to build something better.

[Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a solid and useful book on consensus decision making. Mirja P. Hanson draws on extensive experience and offers practical strategies that work in real settings. The step by step guide is clear and the real life scenarios are helpful. I especially appreciated the section on navigating pressure points of dialogue. That advice alone was worth the price of the book. The overview of consensus basics is thorough and the comparison to other decision making forms is useful for explaining consensus to skeptics. My only reservation is that the book could have benefited from more examples of consensus efforts that failed. The author mentions pitfalls but most of the case studies show success. Learning from failure is just as important. That said the content is valuable and the author clearly knows her subject deeply. I would recommend this to anyone who leads groups and wants to improve how decisions get made. It is not a light read but it is a worthwhile one.

[Mandy · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I have been facilitating groups for over a decade so I came to this book with some existing knowledge. I found several valuable insights that deepened my understanding. The description of the dynamics of consensus politics was particularly interesting. I had not seen that angle explored so thoroughly before. The strategies that call the process to order are practical and I have already used a few of them successfully. The real life scenarios are well chosen and illustrative. My main critique is that the book feels aimed at people who are new to consensus decision making. If you are a seasoned facilitator, some of the content will feel like review. That said there are still valuable nuggets throughout. The author's thirty years of experience shine through. I would recommend this to leaders who are just starting their consensus journey. Veterans may find it less essential but still worth a skim.

[Nathalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book delivers on its promise to provide a step by step guide to consensus decision making. Mirja P. Hanson covers the essentials clearly and offers practical advice throughout. I found the sections on consensus basics and results of consensus building to be the strongest parts. They gave me a solid foundation and evidence to support using consensus in my organization. The discussion of pressure points in dialogue was helpful though I wished it had gone deeper. Some of the advice felt a bit general and I wanted more specific examples of how to handle particular difficult situations. The real life scenarios were good but I could have used more of them. The book is well researched and the author clearly knows her subject. The writing is clear and accessible. I would recommend this to leaders who are new to consensus decision making. It provides a strong starting point. Experienced practitioners may find some sections review but there are still valuable nuggets throughout.

[Daniel Sebastian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I lead a department that has been stuck in the same arguments for over a year. Every meeting felt like a battlefield. Reading this book was like someone threw me a lifeline. Mirja P. Hanson does not pretend that consensus is easy. She acknowledges the messiness and gives you tools to work through it. The step by step guide helped me understand where we were going wrong. We were trying to force agreement instead of building it. The section on navigating pressure points of dialogue was especially helpful. I used one of her techniques in a tense meeting last week and for the first time in months we actually made progress. The real life scenarios felt like she had been watching my team. This book is practical, honest, and deeply useful. If you are tired of conflict and want to move forward, read this book. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

[Frieda Florian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book once quickly to get the overview. Then I read it again slowly with a highlighter in hand. That is how valuable I found it. Mirja P. Hanson has packed decades of experience into these pages. The advice comes from real public and private leaders who have used consensus approaches to solve problems. That grounding in experience makes every chapter credible. The section on the ways that participants can enhance and influence consensus solutions gave me new ideas for engaging quieter members of my team. The discussion of major pitfalls and critical success factors helped me avoid mistakes I would have otherwise made. The real life scenarios are relatable and instructive. I keep this book on my desk now. I have already referred back to it three times since finishing it. If you want a guide that respects your intelligence and your time, this is it. Highly recommended.

[Benjamin Hartmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many books that make consensus sound easy. They paint a rosy picture that falls apart the moment you try it in real life. Mirja P. Hanson does the opposite. She respects the difficulty of consensus. She gives readers an overview of how consensus actually happens as opposed to how it should happen. That honesty is refreshing and deeply useful. The major pitfalls and critical success factors are explained with clarity and real life scenarios. I felt seen when she described the dynamics of consensus politics. I have experienced those dynamics many times but never had words for them. The strategies that call the process to order are practical and tested. The advice on navigating dialogue pressure points has helped me become a better listener and a better leader. This book does not promise magic. It promises a path. That is exactly what I needed.

[Tiillrr Hene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I work in public education and I have seen firsthand how difficult it is to build consensus among teachers, parents, administrators, and board members. This book speaks directly to that challenge. Mirja P. Hanson understands the unique pressures of public sector decision making. Her advice is tailored for school districts, agencies, and community organizations. The step by step guide is practical and respectful of the time constraints that real leaders face. The book is based on the advice of experienced public and private leaders who have actually used consensus approaches. That grounding in real experience makes all the difference. I found the description of ways that participants can enhance and influence consensus solutions particularly valuable.

[Pual Becker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book because my organization is trying to shift toward more collaborative decision making. Mirja P. Hanson provides a helpful framework for that journey. The step by step approach is logical and the real life scenarios make the concepts concrete. I appreciated the overview of consensus basics including definitions and trends. It helped me understand where consensus fits in the broader landscape of decision making approaches. The section on strategies that call the process to order was particularly useful for keeping meetings on track.

[Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you run meetings for a living or even just occasionally, this book is a gift. Mirja P. Hanson understands the unique challenges of facilitating group decisions. She offers practical advice that you can use immediately. The strategies that call the process to order are worth their weight in gold. I have used them to rescue meetings that were spiraling into chaos. The advice on pressure points of navigating dialogue has helped me stay calm and effective when conversations get heated. The section on enhancing and influencing consensus solutions gave me new tools for engaging participants.

[Samuel Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I lead a team that has struggled with decision making for months. We have smart people with strong opinions and we often get stuck. Mirja P. Hanson offers a framework that respects those strong opinions while moving everyone forward. The step by step guide is clear and actionable. What sets this book apart is the depth of experience behind it. The author draws on thirty years of practical experience and the wisdom of consensus pioneers.

[Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a book comes with endorsements from facilitators, superintendents, and corporate leaders, you know it has something for everyone. Clues to Achieving Consensus lives up to that promise. Mirja P. Hanson has created a treasure house full of keys for successful process consultation. That phrase from James P. Troxel on the cover is accurate. I have used this book as a reference multiple times since finishing it.

[Kathy Guys · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been facilitating groups for over a decade so I came to this book with some existing knowledge. I found several valuable insights that deepened my understanding. The description of the dynamics of consensus politics was particularly interesting. I had not seen that angle explored so thoroughly before. The strategies that call the process to order are practical and I have already used a few of them successfully.

[Beltran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a lot of leadership books. Most of them are forgettable. This one is not. Mirja P. Hanson has written a book that changed how I approach my work. The step by step guide to consensus decision making is practical and grounded in real experience. The advice from experienced public and private leaders gave me confidence that these methods actually work. The overview of consensus basics helped me build a foundation.