Key Concepts

About Process Design, Facilitation and Group Decision Making

The underlying concepts we base our approaches on are derived from Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). We apply the approach when there are a number of stakeholders who need to work collaboratively to resolve existing or potential conflict, problems or make better decisions.

The process usually involves an independent, facilitator/mediator who focuses on the "process" by which the work is done, without having any stake or interest in the "content" of the work. The role of this "third party" is essential in helping stakeholders work together (or negotiate), creatively, on a level playing field, toward mutually acceptable or beneficial outcomes.

Each process is designed for the specific job in hand. The design element is critical because the process has to be right for the stakeholders involved as well as the challenges they collectively face. Consequently, it is common for the third party to work with a smaller, broadly representative group of stakeholders in advance of any other work to clarify objectives, consider stakeholders needs, look at how the objectives might be met (preliminary design) and address any practical/logistical issues. A similar group may be formed to discuss process management issues during the course of an extensive process.

The way of working itself is cyclic, rather than linear; reflecting the fact that it is also implicitly a learning process for all involved. As stakeholders consider (and learn from) one aspect of their challenge, they may need to return to review (apply the new learning to) previous work. More linear processes of working have a tendency to "gloss over cracks", for fear of delaying progress; a false economy when ownership of outputs is as important as their quality.

Different types of 3rd party intervention
About different types of involvement (article)
Principles and Characteristics of Stakeholder Dialogue
Arnsteins Ladder of types of participation
The Mediation Process

 

Decide Announce Defend (DAD) and Involve Agree Implement (IAI)

Examples showing the difference between the two approaches: Conflict or consensus

Levels of Decision Making

The level at which work is being done is crucial to decision making. Helping stakeholders and groups sort out which level they are concerned with or focusing on can be like opening a door to a world of clarity and light. Levels diagram

Working with & Managing Uncertainty

SAP map
Uncertainty
Working with uncertainty (article)

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