News and Views
CBI Reports - Spring 2009
In this issue of CBI Reports, Hal Movius describes what it takes to build a world-class negotiating organization (according to his new book Built to Win, released in May 2009 on Harvard Business Press); David Kovick and David Plumb report on stakeholder engagement efforts in Nigeria's Niger Delta; Merrick Hoben reports on helping WWF create a global aquaculture standard setting process; and more. Download the PDF or view the articles online.
The last six months have seen enormous upheaval for many kinds of organizations. Spending has been slashed. Critical partnerships and agreements are in the process of being renegotiated.
In Built to Win Larry Susskind and I argue that negotiation competence resides not just in individuals, but in organizations. What do we mean by that? How can an organization be competent in negotiations?
An organization that rises to the level of ‘world-class’ competence in negotiation does six things, in our view.
New Course Helps Organizations Understand Public Apologies
After piloting a new course across three EPA regions and with multiple private and public organizations, CBI Managing Director Patrick Field has something to say about public apologies.
Engaging Stakeholders in Nigeria’s Niger Delta
The history of oil production in Nigeria’s Niger Delta has been marked by highly contentious relationships between oil companies and host communities, often leading to interrupted operations and violence. Since 2008, CBI has been working with Chevron Nigeria Ltd. and its stakeholders in oil-producing communities to improve and strengthen these relationships.
Timothy Geitner apologized in his confirmation hearing for his failure to report and pay past income and social security taxes. In light of the enormous financial challenges facing the country, it looks like Mr. Geitner will get a pass on his personal transgressions.
But we are also giving a free pass to the leaders, current and former, of the finance system and the government officials who supposedly worked to protect the public interest. That’s just not right. They owe us collectively—rich and poor, investors and tax payers—an apology.
No matter the value of the deal, there is always a point at which you’d be better off by pursuing other alternatives—by walking away. However, due to emotional pressures, analytical complexity, and other factors, knowing when to walk away isn’t easy, especially if you perceive that your job or reputation is on the line.
CBI Founder Larry Susskind recently launched a blog on the uses of consensus building tools and techniques for more democratic decision-making. Visit theconsensusbuildingapproach.blogspot.com to view the blog and subscribe via RSS/ATOM.
Nashua Telegraph Reports on "Breaking Robert's Rules"
Scott Flegal, a lawyer, mediator, and columnist, recently reported on Breaking Robert's Rules and his conversations with author and CBI founder Larry Susskind.
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