Cross Collaborate

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I want to pick up the theme of the last post in this series and explore the relationship between public policy consensus building for purposes of conflict resolution and the formation and growth of self-organizing networks. Although there are many differences, both have similar long-term goals and can complement each other effectively. In the earlier [...]

In an earlier post, I suggested that resolution of public policy conflict by collaborative methods might benefit from applying lessens learned from the emergence of complex networks. Both enhance the ability of individuals and organizations to solve problems they can’t manage on their own. They also seem, though, to differ sharply in many ways. Conflict [...]

Every conference I’ve ever attended in the field of conflict resolution has featured some sort of organized discussion about the role of humor in mediation. These sessions are often quite analytical and serious, but occasionally a workshop is held that’s entertaining because the facilitators are demonstrating rather than describing their approach. It always seems, though, [...]

As I summarized briefly in the last post, Bill Leach has identified 20 design principles for implementing consensus agreements. Of course, some are difficult to apply in practice, in part because of the great variety of local issues, conditions and competing interests. While many of the principles are established practice in consensus building, some represent [...]