Winning Through Participation: Meeting the Challenge of Corporate Chance With the Technology of Participation

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Summary: One of the most important books on facilitation available.
Review: Laura Spencer's book Winning Through Participation is one of the earliest and finest introductions to the facilitation process available. Technologies of Participation (ToP) are practical methodologies for the experienced and new facilitator. She introduces the Focused Conversation Method, the ToP Workshop Method, ToP Event Planning and Orchestration Techniques, ToP Strategic Planning Process and many other practical applications of ToP methods. ToP methods were developed by the Institute of Cultural Affairs in the 1950's, 60's and 70's as practical ways of enabling groups to develop their own thinking and solutions to problems. They are still used in 100's of places across the world.

Rating:
Summary: The Facilitation "Bible"
Review: Now in its eighth printing, this how-to book is the ICA's facilitation "bible." With examples drawn primarily from the private sector, it describes the ICA's Technology of Participation core methods and their application in detail. Foreword by Rosabeth Moss Kanter. Available in English and Spanish Editions.

Rating:
Summary: Here is the starting point for facilitators
Review: Winning Through Participation is a great foundational resource for facilitation, both for the movement and for facilitators. It is particularly useful for its presentation of basic methods of facilitation, clear forms, and explanatory material. It is a great beginning toolkit for organizing and promoting facilitation.

This book appears to be the first one that sets forth the methods of the Technology of Participation, ToP, so widely used and known facilitation circles. The Institute of Cultural Affairs, ICA, an international non-profit concerned with the human factor in development, through its experience in offering consultancy and leadership in organizational development, was the fertile ground for this method spring forth and grow.

More about this book is on the SFN (Southwest Facilitator's Network) website, written March 2001.