TOGETHER WE DECIDE

A book aimed at leaders, managers, board members, politicians, activists, or anyone in a group who feels frustrated with its decision-making processes.

According to professional meeting facilitator, speaker, and author Freshley, “Big problems are never—and never have been—solved by individuals.” Yet collective decision-making often fails, which, the author asserts, could even put humankind’s future existence in jeopardy, as in the case of climate change. The good news, he asserts, is that facilitating useful group decisions is a skill that can be learned, and this book aims to teach it. It’s packed with a wealth of inspiring ideas and practical information, taking readers step by step through methods to create good decisions, including five critical attitudes, specific practices and procedures, and ways to surmount disagreements. Relatable real-world examples from the author’s own experiences as a group member and facilitator enhance the discussion, including successes and stumbles in employee-management conflict, bridging political differences, and building a cohousing community. Freshley makes a strong case for the value of inclusivity and provides specific actions aimed at fostering a culture in which every group member feels welcome and heard. To that end, he advocates collaboration, consensus-building, and establishing clear and transparent procedures, among other strategies. On the other hand, he contends that competition-based decision-making is a bad way to handle disputes and causes “a lot of collateral damage.” The book’s tone is direct and personal, with clear explanations and apt metaphors. Throughout, the author examines group dynamics thoughtfully and considers key ideas from different angles. Charts, sidebars, and boxed “Insight” sections help clarify and amplify core concepts. This book provides know-how that organizations, businesses, and communities may find empowering and offers hope that people can successfully address major challenges of the era by working together: “It’s not us versus them, it’s just us.”

A thorough and friendly guide to why group decisions matter.