How Great Decisions Get Made shows how to bring out the best in people, so that the process of decision making cements groups together rather than pulling them apart. All too often, solving tough work issues can become a tug of war as clashing departments, priorities, personality styles, and other concerns threaten to destroy any possibility of a successful conclusion. But by sharing hopes, and focusing on information rather than debate, the path to agreement can become wonderfully clear. This book gives you a simple 10-step process to help their people overcome seemingly intractable differences, paving the way for groups to: Embrace a world view filled with the possibility of creating better results together - Shift their attention from the stale "What should we do?" to a fresh "How can we achieve what we really want?" attitude - Tap into who they are to define and articulate their hopes Business professionals looking for quick, exciting ways to energize their often-contentious decision-making process will find all the help they need, from real-life scenarios showing the process in action to a self-assessment checklist. How Great Decisions Get Made provides the key to overcoming barriers, making people feel great about the work they do, and achieving extraordinary results. "A MUST READ" -- James A. Barry, Jr.CFP®, international financial advisor, author and PBS television host of Jim Barry's Financial Success "A blessing for anyone who hates meetings (who doesn't)- the art of team decision making" -- BookPage "Don Maruska's book offers a refreshing perspective and an important process that people urgently need." -- John Steinhart, Silicon Valley management consultant and former director of the Stanford Sloan Program for Executives "Don Maruska's insights and practical guidance helped our business through a critical transition phase." -- Lauren Brown, President, Promega Biosciences, Inc. and 2003 Socially Responsible Entrepreneur Award Winner "The ten-step process works!This approach is building lasting value for our organization,the resources we manage, and the public we serve." -- Mike Pool, California State Director, U.S. Bureau of Land Management "This is a must-have tutorial for any business seeking methods to create and sustain high performance teamwork." -- Bill Hall, Exec. V.P., Duke Power "You're about to engage in a wonderful discovery ... feels like for people to work together to find true solutions." -- From the Foreword by Margaret J. Wheatley, author of Leadership and the New Science Don has demonstrated effectiveness of his 10-step process in televised sessions with elected officials and diverse groups gaining important breakthroughs. -- Richard Armfield, KSBY TV, an NBC affiliate This book is full of keen insights and practical techniques to bring out the best in people and get results." -- Steve Westly, California State Controller and former Senior V.P., eBay Foreword by Meg Wheatley. All too often, solving tough work issues can become a tug of war as clashing departments, priorities, personality styles, and other concerns threaten to destroy any possibility of a successful conclusion. But by sharing hopes, and focusing on information rather than debate, the path to agreement can become wonderfully clear. How Great Decisions Get Made. shows how to bring out the best in people, so that the process of decision making cements groups together rather than pulling them apart. The book gives readers a simple 10-step process to help their people overcome seemingly intractable differences, paving the way for groups to: * Embrace a world view filled with the possibility of creating better results together * Shift their attention from the stale "What should we do?" to a fresh "How can we achieve what we really want?" attitude * Tap into who they are to define and articulate their hopes Readers looking for quick, exciting ways to energize their often contentious decision-making process will find all the help they need, from real-life scenarios showing the process in action to a self-assessment checklist. How Great Decisions Get Made provides the key to overcoming barriers, making people feel great about the work they do, and achieving extraordinary results. Don Maruska (Morro Bay, CA) writes the Business Success column that appears in more than 200 Knight-Ridder papers. He was a founder of three Silicon Valley companies and marketing VP of the company that became E*Trade. He is now a Master Certified Coach with Fortune 500 clients, a much in-demand motivational speaker, and has lectured at Stanford business and law schools. How Great Decisions Get Made By Don Maruska AMACOM/American Management Association Copyright © 2006 Don Maruska All right reserved. ISBN: 9780814473986 Chapter One Step 6 Get Everything on the Table 100 Percent Information, Zero Percent Debate This same progeny of evils comes From our debate, from our dissension. - William