"Garmston and Zimmerman have written a book that is the perfect blending of theory and research with very practical, user-ready techniques for facilitating meetings AND for dealing with specific challenges. I would LOVE to see this kind of training offered for administrators!"
-David Chojnacki, Executive Director
Near East South Asia Council of Overseas Schools
No more unproductive meetings! The complete guide to getting the most out of every gathering of educators.
Do your meetings spiral angrily out of control? Or simply not make the most of the participants' talents? Lemons to Lemonade by Robert J. Garmston and Diane P. Zimmerman is the playbook you need to promote civil, productive discourse, detailing:
How to prepare yourself to facilitate the discussion and keep it on task
Best practices for squashing conflict without wounding pride
Methods for dealing with "frowners," "interrupters," "subject-changers," "humorists," and other time-waster types
With this book, you will never waste another opportunity for problems to get solved by the combined powers of capable minds.
Industry Reviews
"Reading Lemons to Lemonade is like having an expert at your side for every human occasion. Brilliantly to the point, Garmston and Zimmerman anticipate and deal with every issue imaginable when it comes to working with groups. Cycling in and out of principles and practical solutions (including providing sample responses) the authors have provided a succinct and comprehensive guide for becoming experts at working with people in all situations." -- Michael Fullan, OC Professor Emeritus "Garmston and Zimmerman have written a book that is the perfect blending of theory and research with very practical, user-ready techniques for facilitating meetings AND for dealing with specific challenges. In particular, I appreciated the focus on reflection, the notion of the levels of expertise, and the many concrete examples of specific facilitating challenges. I would LOVE to see this kind of training offered for administrators!" -- David Chojnacki, Executive Director "Given that there is continuing turnover in educational leadership, it seems critical that effective practices be revived and renewed in order to sustain their impact. This book addresses that need not by simply reintegrating, but by refining and amplifying effective practices. More importantly the purpose of this book is to further the effectiveness of those 'being led,' and the interventions offer clear and powerful guidance for leaders wishing to amplify collective thinking power of a group." -- Mark Cary, Retired Principal "This book's major strengths include: its focus on an area that needs much support, its use of cognitive coaching as the basis for strategies and techniques, and the focus on strategies and minimizing theoretical ideas." -- Dr. John F. Eller, Professor "Before I opened this book, I tried to predict what I would find based on the authors' prior writings. Here's what I thought: The book will offer sage yet practical advice in response to common challenges faced by school leaders. It will offer specific and transferable processes and strategies to enhance individual and collective performance. It will be enjoyable to read. Indeed, that is just what I found. I predict that you will too!" -- Jay McTighe, Educational Consultant "I thought this was great! I got so many good ideas to help me become a better facilitator." -- Robbie Schranz, Literacy Coach "Anyone who is in the position of facilitating team meetings will find Lemons to Lemonade: Resolving Problems in Meetings, Workshops, and PLCs, an incredibly useful resource. Authors Robert J. Garmston (co-founder of the Center for Cognitive Coaching) and Diane P. Zimmerman (a teacher, principal, superintendent and leadership trainer) share strategies and protocols for managing 'the unexpected occurrences that crop up when groups of people work together.' They seek to help readers use these events 'to build group cohesion, productivity, and learning.' The strategies shared in Lemons to Lemonade help facilitators understand the needs of particular groups and address specific group dynamics in order to ensure collaborative efforts are fruitful and enjoyable for participants." -- Lyn Hilt, Elementary Instructional Technology Integrator/Coach
