CT Butler
Conflict Resolution Mediator 

Webinar Summary: Ryma's May 6th webinar at 12 noon ET was presented by C. T. Butler. CT explained why it's essential for Product Managers to learn a decision making process and expose common flaws in current practices. He reviewed group dynamics, language, technique, structure, and values. CT exposed participants to the foundation to formal consensus and it's process. He addressed the agenda contract and facilitation, the call for consensus, policy decisions & action decisions. He explained when to utilize go-to committees, stand aside, & blocking actions.

As Product Managers have to include team participants from both internal and external functions, the correct decision making process can be the difference between success and failure. Decisions other than a consensus always creates an opposition minority. Do you want that in your product management team?

About the Presenter: C.T. Lawrence Butler is the co-author of On Conflict and Consensus and Food Not Bombs - How to Feed the Hungry and Build Community. He is currently publishing a book Titled "Consensus for Cities" He is a father, a political activist, a nonviolent conflict resolution mediator and trainer, and vegetarian chef. In 1980, he co-founded the Food Not Bombs collective in Cambridge, MA and is also a former Cambridge Peace Commissioner. Currently he travels in the United States, Europe and Africa giving lectures and teaching workshops on Formal Consensus. Groups he teaches include government agencies, schools, Indian Tribes, Co-housing groups, professional associations, religious organizations and intentional communities. He is currently in the process of completing his third book titled Consensus for Cities of a 100,000. He is developing a certification program and a process for training teachers of Formal Consensus.

Click here to download CT's Slides

The LinkedIn PM Anthropology CoP addresses cultural issues that impact the success of Product Management.Those interested in providing leadership and additional conversation on this topic please join in and make a differance.

Included below is the Twitter conversation followed on the search hashtag #PMV. Feel free to join this conversation all week long.

Jim_Holland: Joining this weeks #pmv webinar "On Conflict and Consensus" w/CT Lawrence Butler - Should be an interesting topic #prodmgmt about 2 hours ago
  ByronWorkman: Webinar has just started CT Butler is Presenter. http://tinyurl.com/dj5wk6 (expand) #pmv about 2 hours ago
  AnitaTheodosis: Presentation based on C.T.'s book: On Conflict and Concensus- Webinar just started #pmv about 2 hours ago
  ValWorkman: Decision making in groups is the theme #pmv about 2 hours ago
  DavidWLocke: Voting is consensus. #pmv about 2 hours ago
  ByronWorkman: CT suggests that we consider more then just activities; Group Dynamics, language, Technique, structure, and values #pmv about 2 hours ago
 ValWorkman: Voting process has its set of roles, Concensus also has roles for processes #pmv about 2 hours ago
  ByronWorkman: Its more important to decide on a decision making process, then to go with a specific one #pmv about 2 hours ago
  DerickWorkman: RT @AnitaTheodosis: Presentation based on C.T.'s book: On Conflict and Concensus- Webinar just started #pmv about 2 hours ago
  ByronWorkman: Even creative situations in a group, still need rules of order... some would say more so. #pmv about 2 hours ago
  ValWorkman: Formal Concensus has a process, roles, lang, norms #pmv about 2 hours ago
  ValWorkman: Values are important to identify #pmv about 2 hours ago
  DerickWorkman: voting is very competitive and hierarchal. There is a winner and loser. Majority vs minority #pmv about 2 hours ago
  ByronWorkman: I think sometimes we think their is nobility in not fighting for your point of view in a team. I dont know how often that is teamwork. #pmv about 2 hours ago
  ValWorkman: Voting places values into a hierarchal structure #pmv about 2 hours ago
  ValWorkman: Power, or access to power is key in a voting enviroment #pmv about 2 hours ago
  Jim_Holland: #pmv Hierarchy focuses on top down - power management about 2 hours ago
  ValWorkman: @ByronWorkman Yes, this passiveness seems like it helps the team, but can be very disruptive #pmv about 2 hours ago
  Jim_Holland: #pmv The foundation of consensus is "value-based"about 2 hours ago
  AnitaTheodosis: Negative aspectives of voting vs concensus are really easy to see in US politics, can you recognize it in your product management team #pmv about 2 hours ago
  DerickWorkman: consensus is value-based vs. voting which is power based. #pmv about 2 hours ago
  ValWorkman: Consensus is value based, voting is power based decisioning #pmv about 2 hours ago
  DerickWorkman: #pmv about 2 hours ago
  DerickWorkman: Value based- means as a group we identify values of the group and evaluate alternatives based on those values #pmv about 2 hours ago
  haigtweets: Interesting webinar from Ryma today, conflict & consensus. New angle to look at when making decisions. #pmv about 2 hours ago
  ByronWorkman: Consensus can't happen if your group has not discussed values in decision making. #pmv about 2 hours ago
  DerickWorkman: not sure that voting is not always solely power. I can have 5 pms "vote" on projects based value based criteria. Minority exists still #pmv about 2 hours ago
  ValWorkman: Is the P M/PO not a benevolent dictator who collects input from the team but holds veto? #pmv about 2 hours ago
  ByronWorkman: Here's a paradox: consensus can't happen without consensus on the values used for consensus. :) #pmv about 2 hours ago
  DerickWorkman: How do we handle decisions when multiple alternatives match the value base? #pmv about 2 hours ago
  DavidWLocke: @ByronWorkman Elicited values, rather than discuss values. #pmv about 2 hours ago
  DerickWorkman: consensus enables action to take place faster based on unified commitment to the teams decision. Less passive/active resistance #pmv about 2 hours ago
  ByronWorkman: @DerickWorkman Maybe have a way to determine the level of alignment of a decision option to the value base. #pmv about 2 hours ago
  ValWorkman: The goal isn't about ending conflict, its about how to handel conflict #pmv about 2 hours ago
  DavidWLocke: @DerickWorkman In a homogenous culture, vote is fine, b/c values are exactly the same. PMs are all economically indifferent #pmv about 2 hours ago
  DavidWLocke: @ByronWorkman You do not need consensus on values. Values are the inputs. #pmv about 2 hours ago
  ValWorkman: @DavidWLocke Good point, campaigning is manipulating values #pmv about 2 hours ago
  AnitaTheodosis: If you want to create innovative products, and come up with new solutions to a problem, resolve conflict effectively, don't avoid it. #pmv about 1 hour ago
  sturtz: "Peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of creative alternatives for responding to conflict." - Dorothy Thompson #pmv about 1 hour ago
  ValWorkman: RT @AnitaTheodosis: To create innovative products, -come up with new solutions, resolve conflict effectively, don't avoid it. #pmv about 1 hour ago
  ginnymc: RT @ValWorkman Consensus is value based, voting is power based decisioning #pmv about 1 hour ago
  DavidWLocke: @ByronWorkman No, they don't come from corp comm. They are inherent in each person. #pmv about 1 hour ago
  DavidWLocke: @ByronWorkman Values originate in psychology, and culture. #pmv about 1 hour ago
  gbarrow30305: @ByronWorkman alignmt: my exp was to align a customer need w/an existing business need...but this approach limited disruptive innov #pmv about 1 hour ago
  ByronWorkman: @DavidWLocke So if my values are different then your values, we will never get consensus without first resolving our value differences #pmv about 1 hour ago
  DavidWLocke: @ByronWorkman Individual aligns with corp, bu, team goals, etc. #pmv about 1 hour ago
  ValWorkman: @DavidWLocke I suppose they aren't values if they can be changed, influenced .. by team members #pmv about 1 hour ago
  DavidWLocke: @ByronWorkman No,that's not what he is saying. We find consesus. #pmv about 1 hour ago
  ByronWorkman: Recently studied about using "biased Questions" to get more information from a person/customer on what is "below the iceburg" >#pmv about 1 hour ago
  ValWorkman: @gbarrow30305 Here you seek disruptive thought, how does it limit innovation? #pmv about 1 hour ago
  DavidWLocke: @ValWorkman It's a matter of alignement, pathway to alignment is what must be constructed for each member. #pmv about 1 hour ago
  ValWorkman: RT @DavidWLocke: @ValWorkman It's a matter of alignement, pathway to alignment is what must be constructed for each member. #pmv about 1 hour ago
  gbarrow30305: Alignment usually means important customer needs may not be addressed because they don't fit the existing bus model #pmv about 1 hour ago
  AnitaTheodosis: First step to formal consensus is to identify product management and development team values. #pmv about 1 hour ago
  DavidWLocke: @ByronWorkman Same as typical requirements elicitation process, theory based, average functionality results, biased #pmv about 1 hour ago
  ValWorkman: Ask for the objection, not conensus ... interesting #pmv about 1 hour ago
  AnitaTheodosis: 2nd step is to Identify and Aggregate Concerns of pm team #pmv about 1 hour ago
  DavidWLocke: Objections delineate the pathway to alignment--individual pathway #pmv about 1 hour ago
  ValWorkman: @DavidWLocke Problem with consensus is much like req, we jump to solutions #pmv about 1 hour ago
  DavidWLocke: Pathways can conflict #pmv about 1 hour ago
  AnitaTheodosis: 3rd step is to Resolve Aggregated Concerns in pm team #pmv about 1 hour ago
  gbarrow30305: Alignment is sometimes the only way to get anything done in orgs where power isn't distributed well #pmv about 1 hour ago
  ValWorkman: I like the notion of pathways, I used to think of conflicts as roadmaps. pathways is better #pmv about 1 hour ago
  DavidWLocke: Stand asides fester, requires oversight #pmv about 1 hour ago
  ValWorkman: Wow, standing aside means "STAND" not cave #pmv about 1 hour ago
  gbarrow30305: Alignment: business opportunities are framed by existing bus model not by customer needs #pmv about 1 hour ago
  DavidWLocke: Alignment isn't boolean/binary. There is a geography involved. Space delineated in a linear algebra. #pmv about 1 hour ago
  DavidWLocke: Stand asides are like tradeoffs around non-functional requirements #pmv about 1 hour ago
  ByronWorkman: @ValWorkman I like the notion that I can let the group move forward without giving my concent. I have a concern with x, but go ahead. #pmv about 1 hour ago
  ValWorkman: @gbarrow30305 Yes, but customer needs can be a value of the group #pmv about 1 hour ago
  DavidWLocke: The pathway crosses the geography. #pmv about 1 hour ago
  ByronWorkman: A block- I have unresolved concerns, and I will not be apart of a group that moves on without resolving them. #pmv about 1 hour ago
  gbarrow30305: @ValWorkman because business opportunities are framed by existing business model not customer needs which means status quo #pmv about 1 hour ago
  ValWorkman: I think the most important part, is to have a formal path to consensus. #pmv about 1 hour ago
  DavidWLocke: Passive aggressive can result from stand asides. #pmv about 1 hour ago
  michaelrhopkin: RT @haigtweets: Interesting webinar from Ryma today, conflict & consensus. New angle to look at when making decisions. #pmv about 1 hour ago
  ValWorkman: We can't assume that consenus will naturally happen, it must be earned. #pmv about 1 hour ago
  AnitaTheodosis: RT @ValWorkman: I think the most important part, is to have a formal path to consensus. #pmv about 1 hour ago
  DerickWorkman: Stand asides could just be passive resistance. so they need to identify the issue. #pmv about 1 hour ago
  ValWorkman: @DavidWLocke The difference in stand asides is the passiveness is identified and noted #pmv about 1 hour ago
  michaelrhopkin: Having a "greeter" at a meeting changes the environmentn> -- all part of building consensus. #pmv about 1 hour ago
  DerickWorkman: For this to work the eight elments of teamwork must be in place and trust must exist #pmv about 1 hour ago
  ByronWorkman: @DerickWorkman Agreed Like @valworkman said. Stand Aside is not passive resistance when you actually STAND and voice your concern #pmv about 1 hour ago
  DavidWLocke: Since alignment is key to influence, group alignment should not be a problem in a meeting. Effort in meeting is measure of influence #pmv about 1 hour ago
  AnitaTheodosis: Evaluation needs to be used creatively. It should not be skipped over. If a comment does not add then pass to the next person. #pmv about 1 hour ago
  DavidWLocke: As CEO of product, you have to stand for the team's decision. Get forgiveness later. #pmv about 1 hour ago
  michaelrhopkin: You do not lose power when you work at coming to a consensus. #pmv about 1 hour ago
  AnitaTheodosis: #aopm members of the anthropology of product management CoP should check out the webinar just given on #pmv http://tinyurl.com/dj5wk6 about 1 hour ago
  DavidWLocke: The doer has the power to delay a ship, so they have the power. #pmv about 1 hour ago
  DavidWLocke: Multiple alternatives would have different stand asides. Least stand asides should win. Reduces later conflict resolution efforts #pmv about 1 hour ago
  michaelrhopkin: @DavidWLocke Great point. Make your (your team's) decision; go forward w/ confidence; ask for forgiveness (if things don't work out) #pmv about 1 hour ago
  gbarrow30305: Many orgs don't want disruptive innov once they develop a successful bus model #pmv about 1 hour ago
  DavidWLocke: The common values are the means of constructing the pathways. #pmv about 1 hour ago
  AnitaTheodosis: You need to Identify the Common values already present in each team member. #pmv about 1 hour ago
  DavidWLocke: The uncommon values are what where culture spec beats averaging #pmv about 1 hour ago
  DerickWorkman: RT @AnitaTheodosis: You need to Identify the Common values already present in each team member. - Evaluate alternatives based on values >#pmv about 1 hour ago
  DavidWLocke: Leader shluld already know team member well enough to know the values of those team members. #pmv about 1 hour ago
  michaelrhopkin: Thanks @ValWorkman for another great webinar on #pmv Everyone watching #prodmgmt and other product management channels should tune in. about 1 hour ago
  ByronWorkman: @DavidWLocke With that in mind I am also thinking that as a follower/employee, its your responsibility to see if your values align #pmv about 1 hour ago
  ByronWorkman: Webinar is over. CT did a great job. I see lots of application in all of my group/team interactions. Thanks! #pmv about 1 hour ago
  AnitaTheodosis: @DavidWLocke As Leader don't assume because you know your employee well that you know his values- ask. #pmv about 1 hour ago
  AnitaTheodosis: Thanks for the webinar. CT brought up good points. It's worth watching later. http://tinyurl.com/dj5wk6 (expand) #pmv about 1 hour ago
  gbarrow30305: @DavidWLocke doer = prodmgr or stakeholder? #pmv about 1 hour ago
  michaelrhopkin: RT @AnitaTheodosis: Thanks for the webinar. CT brought up good points. It's worth watching later. http://tinyurl.com/dj5wk6 (expand) #pmv 44 minutes ago
  8of12: RT @ValWorkman: Ask for the objection, not conensus ... interesting #pmv 33 minutes ago