Solving Tough Problems : An Open Way of Talking, Listening, and Creating New Realities

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Overview

Adam Kahane spent years working in the world's hotspots, and came away with a new understanding of how to resolve conflict in a way that seems reasonable - and doable - to all parties. The result is Solving Tough Problems. Written in a relaxed, persuasive style, this is not a "how-to" book with glib answers, but rather, a very personal story of the author's progress from a young "expert" convinced of the need to provide cold, "correct" answers to an effective facilitator of positive change - by learning how to ...

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Overview

Adam Kahane spent years working in the world's hotspots, and came away with a new understanding of how to resolve conflict in a way that seems reasonable - and doable - to all parties. The result is Solving Tough Problems. Written in a relaxed, persuasive style, this is not a "how-to" book with glib answers, but rather, a very personal story of the author's progress from a young "expert" convinced of the need to provide cold, "correct" answers to an effective facilitator of positive change - by learning how to create environments that enable new ideas and creative solutions to emerge. The book explores the connection between individual learning and institutional change, and how leaders can move beyond politeness and formal statements, beyond routine debate and defensiveness, toward deeper and more productive dialogue. Both tough and inspiring, the book explores models, technologies, and examples that foster and facilitate "dialogues of the heart."

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What People Are Saying

Arie de Geus
"Adam Kahane's book makes a strong case, woven together from fascinating inside stories about the really tough problems in the world, that success or failure depends on their leaders learning or not learning to listen. The book is recommended reading for all decision takers who find themselves dealing with tough problems."--(Arie de Geus, former Group Planning Coordinator, Royal Dutch/Shell, and author of The Living Company)
Debra Dunn
"This book is rich with insights and inspiring examples that are very relevant to the global challenges we face today. In a dynamic and complex world in which escalating violence is fueled by clashing ideologies, we would all be well advised to give up dictating and knowing and take up listening and learning."--(Debra Dunn, Senior Vice President, Hewlett-Packard Company)
Elena Martinez
"This book should be read by everyone who is concerned with the quality of decision-making in our democracies."--(Elena Martinez, Assistant Secretary General, United Nations)
Nelson Mandela
"This breakthrough book addresses the central challenge of our time: finding a way to work together to solve the problems we have created."
William Ury
"Solving Tough Problems offers a new approach to addressing peacefully our most complex and conflictual challenges-at home, at work, and in the larger world. Kahane reflects candidly and insightfully on his rich experience working with corporations, governments, and civil society organizations around the world. A fresh and valuable contribution from a pioneering practitioner."--(William Ury, Associate Director, Program on Negotiation, Harvard University, and co-author Getting to Yes and The Third Side)
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Product Details

  • ISBN-13: 9781442950245
  • Publisher: BookSurge, LLC
  • Publication date: 12/3/2008

Meet the Author

PETER M. SENGE is the founding chairperson of the Society for Organizational Learning and a senior lecturer at MIT. He is the co-author of "The Fifth Discipline Fieldbook, The Dance of Change," and "Schools That Learn "(part of the Fifth Discipline Fieldbook series)" "and has lectured extensively throughout the world. He lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

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Table of Contents


Foreword   Peter Senge     ix
Introduction: The Problem with Tough Problems     1
Tough Problems     5
"There Is Only One Right Answer"     7
Seeing the World     13
The Miraculous Option     19
Talking     35
Being Stuck     39
Dictating     45
Talking Politely     53
Speaking Up     59
Only Talking     67
Listening     71
Openness     73
Reflectiveness     79
Empathy     87
Creating New Realities     93
Cracking Through the Egg Shell     95
Closed Fist, Open Palm     107
The Wound That Wants to Be Whole     113
Conclusion: An Open Way     129
Notes     133
Bibliography     137
Index     140
About the Author     148
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