From pyramids to circles: Taking hierarchy out of small groups

From Pyramids to Circles uses both research and real world examples to show why groups succeed or fail. Pyramid groups focus individual members on their own status and position. This focus on individual success leads to hidden powers and silent constraints that can prevent the group from succeeding. Circle groups focus individual members on the group task. This focus on group success leads to incorporating all the knowledge, experience, and expertise every member has to offer, almost guaranteeing the group will succeed. When we understand how to shape small groups to succeed, we can also shape the institutions in our lives to succeed. We can end the ineffectiveness of corporations like Enron and WorldCom and shape corporations to succeed for every employee at every level. We can end the inefficiency of the government organizations that failed to prevent 9/11 and shape them to succeed at protecting us. We can end the betrayal of children and shape the Catholic Church to succeed at spiritually nourishing all of its members. From Pyramids To Circles includes the decision making process called "inclusive voting". Inclusive voting gives every member a reason to work for group success. Research shows that decisions are most likely to fail when one person imposes them on other people and groups. Research also shows that decisions are mostly likely to succeed when they include different perspectives and an investigation of alternatives. Inclusive voting provides a simple but effective procedure for making decisions successful.Kramer, Paula M. is the author of 'From pyramids to circles: Taking hierarchy out of small groups' with ISBN 9781883412005 and ISBN 1883412005.