The Book
This practical guide explains consensus-building skills in a way that helps people get what they need from one another while building bridges, not burning them.
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Bridges to Consensus – in Congregations
by Margaret E. Anderson
The book demonstrates its principles through detailed sample dialogues based on situations clergy and church-goers alike can identify with. Parallel commentaries take you inside the speakers’ heads to explain their choices and how they worked. “Try This” segments give the reader a chance to practice new ways of thinking and speaking. You’ll find yourself using these skills not only in your congregation, but at home, work, anywhere thinking people think differently from one another.
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What others are saying:
The parallel dialog/commentary sections are the heart and soul of Margaret’s book. The dialogs are those encountered every day in the church setting and the running commentary reminds us of the power of thinking through every encounter.
– The Rev. James Liberatore
Episcopalian
As someone who has held almost every office in my congregation, I discovered that I could integrate this system not only at my church, but also at home, work, and in every human contact I make.
– Patricia Dwyer, M.Ed. in Educational Psychology
M.A. in Marriage & Family Therapy, Congregational Leader
Margaret Anderson has written a clear and helpful book, based on her own knowledge and experience. She contributes to the growing body of work in this area, including I’m Ok, You’re Ok by Thomas Harris, Parent Effectiveness Training by Thomas Gordon and You Just Don’t Understand Women: Women and Men in Conversation by Deborah Tannen. She is in good company.
– Christine Spong
Editor to the Rt. Rev. John Shelby Spong
Bridges to Consensus offers a set of practices meant to equip well-meaning leaders to also become well-differentiated leaders able to non-anxiously and diplomatically assert their own needs in ways another person can hear and respect while resisting the needless urge to be right or to declare the other wrong.
– The Rev. Paul Beedle
Unitarian Universalist
Margaret Anderson at a recent signing for Bridges to Consensus - in Congregations