Email from Good Group Decisions

Ideas and tips to get along and get stuff done-------------------September 2, 2022

If you're trying to make a group decision and it's not working very well, perhaps you should go back to the previous step.

This is one of the messages in my new book where I explain each of these steps and the importance of doing them in order. And notice how "create" is at the top. That's the best part, where the magic happens. And when done well it's downhill from there.

The book comes out on September 13, 2022. It's available through your local bookstore or your favorite online retailer.

Learn about it here

How to get to know someone deeply

In this 10-minute video, David Brooks explains how "the quality of attention you bring to another person is the central moral act of your life." And he explains three ways to do this.

For one thing, either give full attention or no attention. Think of your attention to another as an on-off switch, not a dimmer.

Second, be a "loud listener." Follow along with your audible reactions and encouragement.

Third, ask open-ended questions. He gives some great examples.

Video link here

It was such fun to be a guest on Maine Calling last week, the call-in talk show hosted by Jennifer Rooks on Maine Public. Along with UMaine Farmington Interim President Joseph McDonnell we discussed many aspects of group decision making, like the difference between adaptive change and solving problems, the dangers of "group think," and the value of truth and reconciliation.

Listen here if interested

You're invited!

Tuesday, September 13, 2022

5:00pm to 7:00pm, Brunswick, Maine

This is will be the first public event in the newly renovated historic Lemont Hall. Come check it out. New owners Aaron and Cleo have done a great job with the place!

Learn about Lemont Hall. The address is 2 Pleasant Street, Brunswick.

please register here

so we know what to expect

Hybrid Business Meetings:

Top 10 Tips to Lead Effectively

Master Facilitator Kristin Arnold has provided another great Top 10 List!

Tip Number 4? Have someone who is the advocate for the people online – e.g. watch for a raised hand, look at the chatbox, see if the visuals are visible, and to remind the team to call on them if we skipped them during a round-robin/go around the “room” activity. It is also helpful for the virtual participants to have one point of contact to handle any of their tech or otherwise unique issues.

Nine other great tips too. See them all right here.