Includes bibliographical references (pages 375-379) and index.

Foreword / by Michael Doyle -- Introduction to the First Edition -- Introduction to the Third Edition -- Part I: Grounding principles. The dynamics of group decision-making ; Participatory values ; Introduction to the role of facilitator -- Part II: Facilitator fundamentals. Facilitative listening skills ; ChartWriting technique ; Brainstorming ; Tools for managing long lists --Facilitating open discussion ; Alternatives to open discussion ; Effective agendas : design principles ; Effective agendas : desired outcomes ; Effective agendas : process design ; Dealing with difficult dynamics ; Classic facilitator challenges -- Part III: Sustainable agreements. Principles for building sustainable agreements ; Inclusive solutions in real life ; Creative reframing -- Part IV: Facilitating sustainable agreements. Introduction to part four ; Facilitating in the divergent zone ; Facilitating in the groan zone ; Facilitating in the convergent zone ; Teaching a group about group dynamics -- Part V: Reaching closure. The significance of clear decision rules ; Striving for unanimity ; Reaching closure step by step ; Facilitating sustainable agreements -- Photocopying policy -- Bibliography -- Acknowledgments -- The authors -- Index -- Covision -- The community at work -- Training from Community at work.