Breaking Robert's Rules: The New Way to Run Your Meeting, Build Consensus, and G

by Lawrence E. Susskind

Every day in communities across America hundreds of committees, boards, church groups, and social clubs hold meetings where they spend their time engaged in shouting matches and acrimonious debate. Whether they are aware of it or not, the procedures that most such groups rely on to reach decisions were first laid out as Robert's Rules more than 150 years ago by an officer in the U.S. Army's Corps of Engineers. Its arcane rituals of parliamentary procedure and majority rule usually produce a victorious majority and 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. After briefly explaining the problems created by Robert's Rules, the guide outlines the five key steps toward consensus building, and addresses the specific problems that often get in the way of a group's progress. Appendices include a basic one page "Handy Guide" that can be distributed at meetings and a case study demonstrating how the ideas presented in the book can also be applied in a corporate context. 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. In addition, neighborhood associations, ad hoc committees, social clubs, and other informal groups lacking a clear hierarchy will find solid advice on how to move forward without resorting to "majority rules" or bickering over who will take leadership positions. Bound to become a classic, Breaking Robert's Rules will change the way you hold meetings forever, paving the way for efficiency, efficacy, and peaceful decision making.

Genres: Leadership, Business, Management, Nonfiction, Activism

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Cathy Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert's Rules probably helped large deliberative bodies make decisions together back in the 19th Century when they were developed, but they are highly inappropriate for a group of 8 volunteers working to plan a community event in 2012. So why does nearly every non-profit organization embed a reference to Robert's Rules in their bylaws? Habit. Not knowing how else to do it. Somebody in the group liked how another group's structure worked and they attribute it to Robert's Rules. The lawyer said we should. Whatever the reason... Professor Susskind has a better way. If you serve on any kind of board or committee, run to the nearest bookstore and pick this one up. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200.

[Scot · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great primer on consensus and the Consensus Building Approach (CBA). Provides an easy to follow and understand system for moving your group from majority rules to consensus decision-making that can be used anywhere from a corporate board room to your local PTA. I read this in preparation to facilitate my local Co-Op's annual general meeting and I am looking forward to seeing it in action.

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Important ideas, but since I operate in a world where Robert's Rules are rarely used, this isn't groundbreaking for me. Others have expanded on it with more compassion and respect for group and individual agency.