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

Kahane, Adam

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1442950218 ISBN 13: 9781442950214

Publisher: ReadHowYouWant, 2012

Synopsis

Tough problems usually don't get solved peacefully. They either don't get solved at all - they get stuck - or they get solved by force. These frustrating and frightening outcomes occur all the time. Families replay the same argument over and over, or a parent lays down the law. Organizations keep returning to a familiar crisis, or a boss decrees a new strategy. Communities split over a controversial issue, or a politician dictates the answer. Countries negotiate to a stalemate, or they go to war. Either the people involved in a problem can't agree on what the solution is, or the people with power - authority, money, guns - impose their solution on everyone else..The way we talk and listen expresses our relationship with the world. When we fall into the trap of telling and of not listening, we close ourselves off from being changed by the world and we limit ourselves to being able to change the world only by force. But when we talk and listen with an open mind and an open heart and an open spirit, we bring forth our better selves and a better world.

About this title

Review

"Many people have written about the healing power of dialogue. None, however, has put that power to the test under more extreme conditions with greater success than Adam Kahane. Informative, inspiring, and beautifully written. Highly recommended."
--David Korten, President of the People-Centered Development Forum, and author of When Corporations Rule the World

"This generative dialogue approach offers real opportunities for governments to engage with stakeholders to build trust and create exciting new resolutions to multi-faceted social and governance challenges."
--Clare Beckton, Assistant Deputy Attorney General of Canada

"Adam Kahane's book invites us to dare to move back into that sacred space of silence: a space where we listen and hear with our hearts, and not only with our heads. The stories he tells celebrate the amazing transformation that takes place when we have the courage to be vulnerable and speak openly and honestly--where passion is not used to defend an ideology or position, but is directed at enhancing a shared commitment for a common purpose. This is a book that needs to be read now."
--Njongonkulu Ndungane, Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town

"Adam Kahane presents a very strong case for how authentic dialogue can change the world. A fascinating mix of both large ideas and practical details, winnowed from decades of experiences in many countries and institutions around the world. A definitive work on a transformational social innovation."
--Nicanor Perlas, recipient of the Right Livelihood Award (Alternative Nobel Prize), and author of Shaping Globalization: Civil Society, Cultural Power, and Threefolding

"A brave and powerful book."
--Len Lindegren, former Global Strategy Leader, PricewaterhouseCoopers

"This fascinating book paints both seemingly unsolvable problems and a path towards sustainable solutions. A 'must read' for those who want to be part of creating such new realities."
--Jeroen Bordewijk, Senior Vice President, Unilever

"Being successful in business today means being able to solve complex challenges in a dynamic global environment, while building teams that can handle change creatively. This book shows us how to unlock the creativity of diverse teams to find solutions that work."
--Katherine Taylor, Director General, General Electric Medical Systems Mexico

"This book makes a strong case, from fascinating inside stories about the really tough problems in the world, that success depends on leaders learning to listen. Recommended reading for all decision takers dealing with tough problems."
--Arie de Geus, former Group Planning Coordinator, Royal Dutch/Shell, and author of The Living Company

"A book that needs to be read everywhere people have differences--in politics, the church, labor, the academy, and business. Kahane's message is wise, honest, and above all realistic. A gift for our time."
--W. Brian Arthur, Citibank Professor, Santa Fe Institute

"This is a profound and important book. It is special in both the simplicity and authenticity of the writing, and the value and far reaching impact of its message. It offers a ways of thinking and acting that can heal the woundedness of our organizations and our communities. I recommend it wholeheartedly."
--Peter Block, author of Flawless Consulting, Stewardship, The Empowered Manager, The Answer to How Is Yes, and Freedom and Accountability at Work

"Adam Kahane has written a useful and powerful book. It turns out that the rational, structured approach is just the beginning. Success occurs only when people deeply listen and talk with each other."
--Harrison Owen, author of Expanding Our Now, Tales from O --Carolyn Lukensmeyer, President and Founder, AmericaSpeaks

About the Author

Adam Kahane is a founding partner of Reos Partners and of Generon Consulting. He is a leading designer and facilitator of processes through which business, government, and civil society leaders can work together to solve their toughest, most complex problems. He has worked in more than fifty countries, in every part of the world, with executives and politicians, generals and guerillas, civil servants and trade unionists, community activists and United Nations officials, clergy and artists.

Edition details

• Publisher: ReadHowYouWant
• Publication date: 2012
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1442950218
• ISBN 13: 9781442950214
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 228