Conversations Lead to Consensus - A Deep Dive Review

by Peggy S. Bud (Author) Tamara L. Jacobson (Author)

Updated at: 03/02/2025

In today's fast-paced world, achieving team consensus is crucial for success. Peggy S. Bud and Tamara L. Jacobson's Conversations Lead to Consensus: Building a High Performing Team One Conversation at a Time provides a practical roadmap to unlock this potential. The book highlights the often-overlooked power of effective communication in reaching collective agreement. Introducing the 5-C Model, it details the interconnected steps of Conversations, Collaboration, Cooperation, and Compromise, ultimately leading to Consensus. This transformative framework helps teams navigate disagreements, foster strong working relationships, and build corporate buy-in. Whether you lead a team or are a team member, this guide equips you with the skills to co-create solutions and achieve shared goals through meaningful dialogue.

Conversations Lead to Consensus: Building a High Performing Team One Conversation at a Time

5 / 5 ratings

Review Conversations Lead to Consensus

Conversations Lead to Consensus: Building a High Performing Team One Conversation at a Time, by Peggy S. Bud and Tamara L. Jacobson, is a breath of fresh air in the often-stuffy world of team-building literature. As someone who works extensively with leaders and teams, I found this book to be incredibly practical and immediately applicable. The authors don't just preach the importance of communication; they provide a concrete, easily digestible framework – the 5-C Model – to actually achieve it.

What truly sets this book apart is its focus on the nuances of communication. It's not just about talking; it's about truly hearing, listening, and then actively listening. The book expertly unpacks the difference between these three levels, offering clear examples and practical exercises to help readers cultivate this essential skill. It's a skill, frankly, that's desperately needed in today's often-fractured workplaces. The authors don't shy away from the challenges – the disagreements, the differing perspectives – but instead, show how these can be leveraged as strengths through thoughtful conversation and a genuine commitment to understanding.

The 5-C Model itself – Conversations, Collaboration, Cooperation, Compromise, and Consensus – feels organic and intuitive. It's not a rigid, prescriptive system but a flexible guidepost that can be adapted to various team dynamics and organizational structures. The authors generously pepper the text with real-world examples, illustrating how the model plays out in practice. These aren't just theoretical scenarios; they're relatable situations that resonate with the everyday challenges faced by teams across different industries.

Beyond the 5-C Model, I deeply appreciated the book's emphasis on active listening techniques. The authors provide a range of open-ended and closed-ended questions, designed to draw out diverse perspectives and foster a truly inclusive environment. The inclusion of numerous self-assessments throughout the book is a fantastic touch, allowing readers to reflect on their own communication styles and identify areas for improvement. This self-reflective element is crucial for personal growth and professional development.

Finally, the book’s visuals are a welcome addition. The use of diagrams and charts effectively complements the text, making complex concepts easily understandable and readily memorable. It’s a book that's both visually appealing and intellectually stimulating. It's concise and well-structured, making it easy to digest, yet rich enough to provide lasting value. I've already recommended it to several colleagues and will certainly be referencing it frequently in my own coaching sessions. This is not just a book to read; it's a resource to actively use and revisit – a permanent fixture on my bookshelf and a powerful tool for building high-performing, collaborative teams.