Every day in communities across America hundreds of diverse groups hold meetings where they spend their time engaged in shouting matches and acrimonious debate. The procedures that most groups rely on to reach decisions were first laid out as Robert's Rules more thana 150 years ago. These arcane rituals, based mainly on majority rule, usually produce a very dissatisfied minority that expects to raise its concerns, again, at the next possible meeting.

Breaking Robert's Rules clearly spells out how any group can work together effectively. Written in a non-technical and engaging style, and containing clear ideas and instructions that anyone can understand and use, this one-of-a-kind guide will prove an essential tool for any group desperate to find ways of making their meetings more effective

Features:

• Explains the specific problems that prevent a group's progress
• Gives solid advice on how groups can move forward without resorting to "majority rules"
• Outlines the five key steps toward consensus building
• Includes a one-page "Handy-Guide" and a case study demonstrating how ideas can also be applied in a corporate context
• Perfect for formal groups such a committees and boards, as well as informal groups such as church groups, social clubs, neighborhood associations, and ad hoc committees

"Revolutionary. The authors provide a new framework that will radically change the way organizations make decisions and resolve conflicts."
—Warren Bennis, University of Southern California and author of On Becoming a Leader

Listen to an interview podcast with Professor Susskind about his book [2].

Also, listen to a 4 part podcast about Breaking Robert's Rules from the Program on Negotiation through Harvard University.

Part 1 [3]

Part 2 [4]

Part 3 [5]

Part 4 [6]

Breaking Robert's Rules will also be published in Chinese.  To find out more information, please visit the publisher's website www.ssap.com.cn/ [7]