Rating: 
Summary: A Resource Treasuretrove
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: A Unique Compendium
Review: I knew this book was in the works and have been looking forward to it for almost a year. It exceeded my expectations. A must-have reference book for consultants. Excellent overview of today's cutting edge change strategies. A gourmet menu from which to choose, but choosing is difficult. Each chapter comes with a strong sales pitch. Overall the change methods are much more alike than different.
Rating:
Summary: A Unique Compendium
Review: I knew this book was in the works and have been looking forward to it for almost a year. It exceeded my expectations. A must-have reference book for consultants. Excellent overview of today's cutting edge change strategies. A gourmet menu from which to choose, but choosing is difficult. Each chapter comes with a strong sales pitch. Overall the change methods are much more alike than different.
Rating:
Summary: A must-have for big-time change agents
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: A practical JIT source for comparing change processes
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: A must-have for big-time change agents
Review: 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.
Rating: 
Summary: Too general
Review: The book provides general information about different organizational intervention methods. Since most of the writers in this book provide only introductory information and market their method in a similar way, you can't really see much difference between them. If you want to learn how to work with any of those techniques, I suggest you buy the book that focuses on your area of interest.
Rating:
Summary: Too general
Review: This book is ok - I do this kind of work for a living so there was nothing new in it for me and I returned it - but for those needing an intro to change approaches/techniques this is a good start. My problem with books like this is that they tell you the tools and the how tos to some extent but the real value in engaging in change efforts is knowing when/where the alligator in the swamp is going to pop up and bite you. They don't lay out any lessons learned or things to watch out for so for the unsuspecting they may engage in a change effort and have it fail due to poor delivery etc.
Rating:
Summary: a good survey of change tools
Review: This book is ok - I do this kind of work for a living so there was nothing new in it for me and I returned it - but for those needing an intro to change approaches/techniques this is a good start. My problem with books like this is that they tell you the tools and the how tos to some extent but the real value in engaging in change efforts is knowing when/where the alligator in the swamp is going to pop up and bite you. They don't lay out any lessons learned or things to watch out for so for the unsuspecting they may engage in a change effort and have it fail due to poor delivery etc.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent reference of the subject matter
Review: 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.
| 
