Consensus-Oriented Decision-Making by Tim Hartnett
Consensus-Oriented Decision-Making
The CODM Model for Facilitating Groups to Widespread Agreement
By: Tim Hartnett, Ph.D.
Published: April 26, 2011
Format: Paperback, 208 pages
ISBN-10: 0865716897
ISBN-13: 978-0865716896
Publisher: New Society Publishers
"Consensus-Oriented-Decision-Making (CODM) is a powerful group decision-making process. It can be applied to virtually any typ of decision in almost any type of group. Whatever the content of the decision a group is addressing, CODM can be used as the process for making that decision", writes group facilitator and mediator Tim Hartnett, Ph.D., in his very intelligent and highly accessible book Consensus-Oriented Decision-Making: The CODM Model for Facilitating Groups to Widespread Agreement. The author describes the principles behind the Consensus-Oriented-Decision-Making (CODM) technique, and demonstrates how to implement the concepts effectively and seamlessly into any decision making process.
Tim Hartnett understands the critical connection between the importance of decision making and its process for any size or type of group, and the effect of the resulting decisions on the ultimate effectiveness of that group. With that crucial concern in mind, the author offers the workable and very efficient CODM model as a repeatable step based road map to achieving effective and widely accepted decisions. The system combines inclusion of the maximum number or participants with the seemingly contradictory concept of maximum efficiency. CODM is based on the premise that a large group of people, acting in a collaborative manner, can discover and implement superior ideas and decisions to any individual acting alone. With the largest number of people involved in a democratic decision making process, the level of overall commitment to the final solution is greater, and the chances of success are increased dramatically as a result.
Tim Hartnett, Ph.D. (photo left) presents a comprehensive group decision making process, developed through years of personal and professional experience, in group facilitation. The concept also employs methods gleaned from mediation and inter-personal communication. The result of this multi-disciplinary approach to group dynamics is a stronger and more collaborative group able to reach consensus for stronger and more effective decision outcomes. The methodology facilitates agreement whether decisions require unanimous consent, a voting procedure, or an executive made final selection. The collaborative approach presented with CODM involves:
* Rich insights into group dynamics and how they work
* Conflict resolution that is both effective and respectful
* Communication skills involving listening and sharing ideas
For me, the power of the book is how Tim Hartnett combines a strong theoretical background for Consensus-Oriented-Decision-Making (CODM) with a powerful step by step process for implementing the concept for any type of group. The author presents a repeatable system that will help any family, business, non-profit, community, or governmental group achieve decisions that are not only widely accepted but include input from the maximum number of people.
Tim Hartnett's commitment to a process that is collaborative and democratic is not only admirable, but is also very effective and results oriented. The author puts in place rules for reducing internal conflict, for reaching the final decision, and for getting full agreement and closure on the issue. Tim Hartnett understands group dynamics, and incorporates that critical element, along with conflict resolution techniques, and communication. into enriching the process.
I highly recommend the democracy supporting and group cohesion strengthening book Consensus-Oriented Decision-Making: The CODM Model for Facilitating Groups to Widespread Agreement, by Tim Hartnett, Ph.D., to anyone in any size or type of organization seeking a more effective, collaborative, and inclusive method of achieving more effective decisions. The author offers a practical guide, filled with hands on examples and a step by step plan, to reaching collaborative outcomes for any group.
Read the engagingly written and well structured book Consensus-Oriented Decision-Making: The CODM Model for Facilitating Groups to Widespread Agreement, by Tim Hartnett, Ph.D., and discover how to transform your current organizational or group decision making process into one that is inclusive, collaborative, democratic, and effective. This book is the key to efficient and widely embraced decisions that achieve successful implementation and results.
Primary Care for the 20 Something Generation
I was asked this week to comment on the status of primary care for those in their twenties. I am using my answer for this weeks' post. For more information and discussion on this topic click here.
Should 20-Somethings Have and See a Primary Care Doctor?
I am obviously biased in regards to this question, but yes, absolutely. Do they need to go for frequent check ups if they are otherwise healthy? No, they do not. Early on in the twenties is a great time to establish a relationship with a doctor who can help guide them through their health for the decades to come. For young women who are otherwise healthy, this may be their gynecologist. An Internal Medicine physician is certainly appropriate. That first visit is important to first establish a relationship. That way, when illness or injury comes along, there is someone ready to help. Secondly, it is a chance to evaluate one's health habits. This decade is a critical time for establishing healthy habits which will endure a life time. The human body goes through a big change in those years. The ever active metabolism characteristic of adolescence simmers down to a slowly declining state. If anticipated and accounted for with dietary changes, the not so unusual 15-20 pound weight gain can be avoided. It is much easier to maintain body weight than it is to spend the rest of your life trying to lose it.
Are Young People a Drain on the Health Care System?
Not at all. In fact, young healthy people are viewed as one of the keys to controlling health care costs and being able to provide health care for our entire population. If we did not have young, healthy people carry insurance, all of us will pay a larger price. That said, if young people do not have a primary care physician established, they will present to emergency rooms with conditions which could easily be evaluated in a physician's office. The cost of emergency care is exponentially higher than it is in the primary care setting.
What Tests Do Young People Need to Get?
In the absence of any concerning symptoms or physical findings the most important "test" to be done is that initial history and physical examination. More than any battery of tests, that first visit will help guide the physician to tailor any testing to the needs of the individual. If it has not been done previously, I recommend at least a total cholesterol level as a baseline. A family history of diabetes may prompt testing for blood sugar. Symptoms of fatigue in a woman with heavy menstrual cycles would prompt a test looking for anemia. However, from a purely routine standpoint, that initial visit carries the most weight.
Do Doctors See a Difference in the Way in which 20-somethings Approach Health Compared to Older Generations?
I don't think a broad generalization is possible here. I know many young adults who take exceptionally good care of themselves and are extremely health conscious. I also just met a young woman who basically eats junk food for all three of her meals a day. She starts with a pop tart. Chips and soda often pass for lunch and she may finish at Taco Bell that night. I do think that elderly patients think of their health a lot more but this is because they are now suffering from many more conditions than before. Some ailments come as a natural result of aging but many could have been prevented had they cared for their health better when they were younger.
READ MORE - Primary Care for the 20 Something Generation
I am obviously biased in regards to this question, but yes, absolutely. Do they need to go for frequent check ups if they are otherwise healthy? No, they do not. Early on in the twenties is a great time to establish a relationship with a doctor who can help guide them through their health for the decades to come. For young women who are otherwise healthy, this may be their gynecologist. An Internal Medicine physician is certainly appropriate. That first visit is important to first establish a relationship. That way, when illness or injury comes along, there is someone ready to help. Secondly, it is a chance to evaluate one's health habits. This decade is a critical time for establishing healthy habits which will endure a life time. The human body goes through a big change in those years. The ever active metabolism characteristic of adolescence simmers down to a slowly declining state. If anticipated and accounted for with dietary changes, the not so unusual 15-20 pound weight gain can be avoided. It is much easier to maintain body weight than it is to spend the rest of your life trying to lose it.
Are Young People a Drain on the Health Care System?
Not at all. In fact, young healthy people are viewed as one of the keys to controlling health care costs and being able to provide health care for our entire population. If we did not have young, healthy people carry insurance, all of us will pay a larger price. That said, if young people do not have a primary care physician established, they will present to emergency rooms with conditions which could easily be evaluated in a physician's office. The cost of emergency care is exponentially higher than it is in the primary care setting.
What Tests Do Young People Need to Get?
In the absence of any concerning symptoms or physical findings the most important "test" to be done is that initial history and physical examination. More than any battery of tests, that first visit will help guide the physician to tailor any testing to the needs of the individual. If it has not been done previously, I recommend at least a total cholesterol level as a baseline. A family history of diabetes may prompt testing for blood sugar. Symptoms of fatigue in a woman with heavy menstrual cycles would prompt a test looking for anemia. However, from a purely routine standpoint, that initial visit carries the most weight.Do Doctors See a Difference in the Way in which 20-somethings Approach Health Compared to Older Generations?
I don't think a broad generalization is possible here. I know many young adults who take exceptionally good care of themselves and are extremely health conscious. I also just met a young woman who basically eats junk food for all three of her meals a day. She starts with a pop tart. Chips and soda often pass for lunch and she may finish at Taco Bell that night. I do think that elderly patients think of their health a lot more but this is because they are now suffering from many more conditions than before. Some ailments come as a natural result of aging but many could have been prevented had they cared for their health better when they were younger.
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