Adam is a leading organizer, designer, and facilitator of processes through which leaders from business, government, and civil society can collaborate to address complex challenges. His extensive international experience spans work with diverse groups, including executives, politicians, military leaders, and community activists across more than fifty countries. He specializes in creating environments where disparate parties can overcome differences and achieve common goals. Through his expertise, he fosters effective dialogue and strategic planning for collective problem-solving.
Transformative scenario planning is a way that people can work together with others to transform themselves and their relationships with one another and their systems. In this simple and practical book, Kahane explains this methodology and how to use it.
War is no way to resolve our most problematic group, community, and societal issues, but neither is a peace that simply sweeps our problems under the rug.To create lasting change we have to learn to work fluidly with two distinct, fundamental drives that are in power—the single-minded desire to achieve one’s solitary purpose; and love—the drive towards unity. They are seemingly contradictory but in fact complimentary. As Martin Luther King put it, “Power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anemic.” Using revealing stories from complex situations he has been involved in all over the world—the Middle East, South Africa, Europe, India, Guatemala, the Philippines, Australia, Canada and the United States—Kahane reveals how to dynamically balance these two forces. Just as when we are toddlers we learn to shift from one foot to the other to move ourselves forward, so we can learn to shift back and forth between power and love in order to move society forward.
"This book introduces a new approach to solving any stubborn, intractable conflict, based on the author's experiences bringing people together in international hot spots like South Africa, Columbia, India, and more"-- Provided by publisher
Adam Kahane has worked on some of the toughest problems in the world—in organizations and in societies—from South Africa during its transition away from apartheid, to Colombia during the civil war, Argentina during the collapse, Guatemala after the genocide, Israel-Palestine, Northern Ireland, Cyprus, and the Basque Country. Through these experiences, he has learned how to create environments that enable creative new ideas and solutions to emerge and be implemented even in the most challenging contexts. Here Kahane tells his stories and distills from them an approach that all of us can use to solve our own toughest problems.
Adam Kahane spent years working in the world's hotspots, and came away with a new understanding of how to resolve conflict in a way that seems reasonable - and doable - to all parties. The result is Solving Tough Problems. Written in a relaxed, persuasive style, this is not a ""how-to"" book with glib answers, but rather, a very personal story of the author's progress from a young ""expert"" convinced of the need to provide cold, ""correct"" answers to an effective facilitator of positive change - by learning how to create environments that enable new ideas and creative solutions to emerge. The book explores the connection between individual learning and institutional change, and how leaders can move beyond politeness and formal statements, beyond routine debate and defensiveness, toward deeper and more productive dialogue. Both tough and inspiring, the book explores models, technologies, and examples that foster and facilitate ""dialogues of the heart.""
Collaboration is increasingly difficult and increasingly necessary Often, to get something done that really matters to us, we need to work with people we don’t agree with or like or trust. Adam Kahane has faced this challenge many times, working on big issues like democracy and jobs and climate change and on everyday issues in organizations and families. He has learned that our conventional understanding of collaboration—that it requires a harmonious team that agrees on where it’s going, how it’s going to get there, and who needs to do what—is wrong. Instead, we need a new approach to collaboration that embraces discord, experimentation, and genuine cocreation—which is exactly what Kahane provides in this groundbreaking and timely book.
Working Together to Change the Future [Standard Large Print 16 Pt Edition]
Focusing on scenario planning, this book serves as a comprehensive guide for applying this strategic tool to drive social change across various levels, including community, national, and global contexts. It highlights the importance of scenario planning in areas such as change management, innovation, and problem-solving, making it a valuable resource for those looking to implement effective strategies for social impact.
The Catalytic Power of Radical Engagement
Challenging conventional societal structures, this book explores how current systems fail to meet the needs of the majority. It delves into the implications of these designs on everyday life and advocates for a reimagining of social, economic, and political frameworks to create a more inclusive and functional world. Through insightful analysis, it encourages readers to rethink their perspectives and consider innovative solutions for a better future.
An Open Way of Talking, Listening, and Creating New Realities (16pt Large Print Edition)
The book explores the dynamics of conflict resolution, emphasizing that tough problems often lead to either stagnation or forceful solutions. It highlights how recurring arguments in families, crises in organizations, and divisive issues in communities stem from a lack of agreement or imposed authority. The author argues that effective communication, characterized by open-mindedness and empathy, can transform relationships and foster positive change, rather than relying on coercion. Embracing dialogue can lead to personal growth and a more harmonious world.