The Change Handbook: Group Methods for Shaping the Future

The Change Handbook features chapters by the originators and foremost practitioners of such high-leverage change methods as Future Search, Real Time Strategic Change, Gemba Kaizen, and Open Space... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1576750582
• ISBN13: 9781576750582
• Release Date: July 1999
• Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers
• Length: 408 Pages
• Weight: 1.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 8.0" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

A Resource Treasuretrove

Holman and Devane have created an amazing resource for anyone interested in helping to shape the future of our organizations and communities. 18 proven group methods each have their own chapter written by originators and/or foremost practitioners. The editors have done an excellent job of sheparding each chapter so that the story is alive, honoring the uniqueness and history. And, also, consistent information is presented, allowing comparison among the methods. The comparative matrix is a powerful tool for picking methods appropraite to a particular context.Reading each chapter is like having a conversation with an expert; it is a quick and most effective way of understanding the method. Then, to dig deeper, the book provides a comprehenhsive list of resources for each method.There is a synergy between the methods that makes this book more powerful than 18 separate books (and very much more accessible). And Holman's and Devane's editing and opening and closing chapters weave all into a beautiful tapestry. If you care about creating the future, this book provides help.

A must-have for big-time change agents

I've just written a review of this book for Quality Progress. As a book reviewer I get lots of books which are 'ok' and few which are 'great' and very few which are 'brilliant'. This book is brilliant.The author list is complete a who's who of large systems change, the format is very readable and consistent and even the bibliography is crafted as a really useful resource. Don't argue. Just buy it.

A practical JIT source for comparing change processes

I'm now recommending two must-have books to internal change agents with whom I interact...and this is one of them. Collaborative change (which is what this book is all about) is the only way to sustain meaningful, long-lasting change in our communities and organizations. This book provides a snapshot for 18 of the more important change methodologies currently being used. I got very excited over the fold-out "comparative matrix" that provides a snapshot for the 3 types of change methods that are considered (planning, structuring and adaptable). The book is easy to navigate; references are plentiful and easy to use; comparisons, even among change processes with which I'm not so familiar, are easy to understand and capture.This book is a must for anyone serious about initiating and sustaining organizational and community change.

The most valuable book in my library!

This book should be in the personal library of anyone who does consulting work, whether you are new to the field or a more seasoned practitioner. Holman and Devane have brought together the most cutting edge (and proven!) change methods, and presented them in a format that helps the reader quickly understand the fundamentals of each approach, and ultimately, "which method is best to use when." Aside from presenting a thorough summary of top change methods, the book provides detailed charts and checklists that helps the reader compare the different change approaches, identify the right method given their situation, and assists them in taking action to implement these methods in their organization. The book includes a series of planning/study questions to help the reader think through critical issues in selecting a method, in addition to providing "roles and responsibilities" checklists that help set up and structure each method for success. To top it off,the book offers an impressively thorough "resources" chapter which gives the reader lists of books, articles, organization names, phone numbers & email addresses to foster continued learning about the techniques described. I find the book to be a valuable resource to help guide my work, and an excellent reference source for these cutting edge techniques.

Excellent reference of the subject matter

This book is well-written and well organized, presenting just the right level of information for the experienced facilitator to make a choice. For the less experienced, a great introduction to many approaches. The summary in the back gives a quick comparison. The graphics help the visually-oriented reader.