What is Choice-creating?
"Choice-creating" is different than "decision-making" or "problem-solving." It is the core quality of thinking for democracy, where all people address the issues that matter and creatively seek what's best for all. It is the kind of heartfelt creativity that often happens in crisis or a "time out" away from the usual mode of "decision-making." It's when people shed their roles, speak authentically for themselves and address what's really going on, seeking win/win answers. Choice-creating often arises naturally when facing an issue that seems 'impossible to solve' but which must be solved. Then people's differences become assets rather liabilities. This process of thinking builds the spirit of "we."
How is it different?
It's important to distinguish Choice-creating from other forms of thinking because this opens the door to innovations in democracy and collective thinking, like the Wisdom Council.
|
Dialogue
|
Deliberation | Choice-creating | |
| It is a conversation where people… | Open-mindedly and open-heartedly explore topics. The process yields individual growth and transformation but doesn’t necessarily reach a group conclusion or build a group identity. | Decide issues thoughtfully by analyzing and weighing options. People gather information, discuss values, set priorities and make decisions. The process is transactional more than transformational | Address high-care or “impossible” issues creatively and collaboratively. Group progress happens via shifts and breakthroughs. Conclusions are emergent, “co-sensed” without judgment. |
| It can be reliably established because … | Each person aims at inquiry rather than advocacy. Sometimes a talking stick or group guidelines are used to encourage this orientation. | Extrinsic factors structure the situation. A moderator helps the group evaluate options using an agenda, guidelines, information, and a logical procedure. | A dynamic facilitator assures this quality of thinking. He or she helps people speak spontaneously and authentically, where all comments are appreciated. |
| The “content” of the conversation is … | A topic, issue, or rich question to be explored but not necessarily decided by the group. | An issue that has been framed for a decision, often with specific options, explanatory information and a procedure. | An ill-defined or “impossible” issue having energy— that “bothers” people or they care about and want to solve. |
| The facilitator’s role is… | Minimal. Skilled people, a set of guidelines or a talking stick is often enough. | To hold people to the accepted agenda and assure progress through each step. | Key. He or she helps people speak naturally but assures that each comment contributes to the group. |
| The participants… | Choose to enter into dialogue. Each manages him/her self. | Are given information and guided to stay rational by a neutral party. | Care about solving a particular issue. They just speak naturally. |
| The “result” of the conversation is … | Individual growth, shared meaning and a sense of connectedness to all of humanity. | A thoughtful decision and feeling of accomplishment. The aim is for unanimity but in the end there is a vote. | A unanimous “co-sensing” of what is best, where people feel involved and empowered to take joint action. |
| It’s related to other modes of talking because … | People often switch to deliberation after dialogue in order to reach group conclusions. | Dialogue is often used before deliberation to build trust, to flesh out the situation and to add a transformational aspect. | Choice-creating often happens naturally within “dialogue” or “deliberation,” where people figure out what’s best for all. |
Resources on Choice-creating
• "Choice-creating" is a term developed by consultant Jim Rough, who also developed Dynamic Facilitation. Articles are available on the web at www.Tobe.net.
• Dynamic Facilitation: Manual and Reader by Rosa Zubizarreta and Jim Rough is available through the Center for Wise Democracy.
•PikiePikie Encyclopedia created by John Abbe.
• Article: "How to Make a Decision without really Making a Decision" by Tom Atlee
• International Association of Facilitators paper "Dynamic Facilitation and Choice-creating"