Nominal Group Technique is a group discussion and consensus decision-making process that ensures everyone is heard, the key issues discussed, the best solutions identified, and a fair, group-based decision is made. Networks use this technique when faced with a difficult decision, multiple viable solutions, or differences of opinion. It ensures everyone is heard and a part of the discussion.
05 Dec 2016 by Daniel Dow
As your mission partnership moves into operation, your group will need to consider how it will organize for effectiveness. Collaboration can be organized in many ways – from informal awareness of each other to highly structured initiatives with constitutions, membership, and significant budgets. Here are a few things to consider as you move forward…
02 Dec 2016 by Daniel Dow
Have you ever found yourself in network or partnership meetings “solving” the same problem over and over again? These meetings can lead to solutions that don’t stick because we move too quickly from discussion of the problems to disagreements about proposed solutions. In this video, productivity consultant Ed Muzio explains the 50/30/20 rule of the hourglass model . This is a simple tool you can use to help organize a group decision-making meeting that works…
24 Oct 2016 by Daniel Dow
The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 9:26, “I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. ” In the same way, effective mission partnerships do not “run aimlessly” or “beat the air”. They stay focused on turning talk into action as they work together to achieve their shared goals. One of the key attributes of an effective partnering initiative is the discipline of regular evaluation and reporting…
24 Oct 2016 by Daniel Dow
All mission networks and partnerships need resources to accomplish their shared goals. In many surveys we have done with network and partnership facilitators, one of the issues that always rises to the top is funding . The issue of funding can energize a group and help participants see that they can do things together they could never do separately, or it can be a major obstacle – yet another chance for pessimists to say: “I don’t see how this is going to work.” How you approach the issue can make all the difference…
08 Sep 2016 by Daniel Dow
In the context of networks and partnerships, we must constantly make group decisions . Unfortunately, we often go into these meetings without any real clarity on HOW a decision will actually be made . We wrongly assume that a decision will simply emerge. In this video, productivity consultant Ed Muzio explains a basic model for group decision making that will help overcome these issues and make your meetings more effective…
08 Sep 2016 by Daniel Dow
Consensus decision-making is vital to the effectiveness of mission networks and partnerships. However, many of us who serve as network leaders struggle to build genuine consensus in our networks, partnerships, or working groups. The reason is that consensus decision-making processes are very different from the top-down decision-making processes most of us know from our own organizations….
17 May 2016 by Daniel Dow
Leaders of networks and partnerships know that helping groups collaborate together can involve countless meetings. Unfortunately, we have all been in meetings that seemed to go nowhere and achieve nothing. In this video, productivity consultant Ed Muzio shares a simple agenda tool that will make your meetings much more effective …
01 Apr 2016 by Daniel Dow
Members of mission networks and partnerships often need to share private information with each other. And sometimes, that information can be very security-sensitive. But sharing sensitive information like passwords, contacts, or document links over email or chat is a bad idea …
20 Mar 2016 by Daniel Dow
In this webinar presented for Synergy Commons members, Cru project specialist Paul Konstanski introduces the Lean Canvas as a valuable tool for strategic planning…
