Shared Solutions

Everyone’s got an opinion when it comes to resolving a thorny issue or solving a particular problem. However, opinions don’t always present the most effective and efficient solutions to such dilemmas.

Melbourne-based consultant Danny Crossman presents his own take in Shared Solutions: The 7 steps for resolving issues and solving problems successfully. In it, he provides a generic process for resolving conflict, negotiating agreements, solving problems, making decisions and achieving change through his seven steps: participation; preparation; establish constructive dialogue; develop a shared understanding; explore options; design an outcome; and finalise.

The book details a good number of case studies that illustrate the different steps. These case studies range from domestic and neighbourhood disputes through to complex political and business issues. HR professionals will find a number of steps more interesting than others, particularly when it comes to gaining buy-in from stakeholders across an organisation.

Much of Shared Solutions is fairly common sense; however, it does a great job of distilling and organising many different theories on resolving issues and solving problems.