Thinking Together

About the Book

Conflicting folk wisdom tells us that two heads are better than one and that committees foster mediocrity.  This work contends that both viewpoints can be integrated into an encompassing truth, the right group, properly prepared, organized and facilitated will surpass the creative and critical thinking efforts of any individual.  Collaborative, consensus seeking, systems may take more time than an individual to reach a decision, however, the decision is usually better, and the implementation is usually faster and more effective when reached by the right group.  Why?  Because the group can bring more information, ideas and other resources to bear on the issue at hand. Also because each group member fully agrees with the decision and wants to make its implementation work. The proven technology of systematic Thinking Together is the most powerful methodology we have for meeting the challenges of our times.  There are thousands of major problems facing the world but there are billions of problem solvers willing but unprepared to deal with these problems. This book, based on the authors extensive research and experience with many small groups, provides a logical and easily learned system for Thinking Together.  

Chapter titles:

One. The Promise In the Process - what Thinking Together could do for the world.  

Two. Believe In The Power Of Thinking Together - why it is important to have faith in the process.

Three. Select, Bond And Empower The Thinkers - how to make sure you have the right people involved.

Four. Share Information Through Clear Communications - a review of the basic interpersonal skills required.

Five. Practice Positive Interpersonal Processes - how to be confrontive without conflict.  

Six. Organize The Thinkers - how to change a small group into a "Think Team."

Seven. Manage Meetings - how to make efficient use of your time and resources and avoid typical meeting frustrations.

Eight. Use Systematic Collaborative Thinking Procedures  - how to proceed step-by-step from the present situation to the desired situation.

 Part A.  The Creative Problem Solving Procedure

 Part B.  The Planning Procedure

 Part C.  The Persuasive Presentation Procedure

Nine. Use Idea Generation Aids to Enhance Creative Thinking - how to generate new ideas.

Ten. Use Decision Making Aids To Enhance Critical Thinking - how to focus the critical faculties of team members.

Eleven.  Use the Best Available Technology - some ideas for utilizing information age tools and techniques.

About the Author

Dan Tagliere’s professional career was devoted to helping client organizations become more successful. He retired from the presidency of ODS-Organization Development Services, Inc. in 1995. He now works almost exclusively for religious, non-profit and charitable organizations, helping them to solve the world’s problems by Thinking Together.