Don't Just Do Something, Stand There!

This practical guide details ten key principles that will profoundly change the way you think about, organize, and lead the meetings that matter most.

Rather than trying to change anyone's behavior, Marvin Weisbord and Sandra Janoff show you how to change the conditions under which people interact. By doing less, you help others do more.

With examples from around the world, and practical tips and exercises in every chapter, Don't Just Do Something, Stand There! gives you many new techniques for helping people discover common ground, make productive use of dissension, and take responsibility for action.

“An exceptional resource that renews one’s faith in the utility of meetings and the positive power of effective groups. The book draws on the authors’ rich experience to provide practical principles for both seasoned and novice meeting leaders. If you are in search of an approach that is task-focused, makes full use of everyone’s experience and expertise, and generates collaborative actions that people will be inspired to implement, this book is for you.” —Joanne Burke, Coordinator, UN Capacity for Disaster Risk Reduction Initiative (CADRI), UNDP/BCPR

“Gaining agreement on values and goals among members of our worldwide organization is critical to our continued success. Weisbord and Janoff’s skillful facilitation helped us achieve a level of common understanding in three days that otherwise could have taken us years.” —Dick Haworth, Chairman of the Board, Haworth, Inc.

“Weisbord and Janoff’s exemplary principles for facilitating group process have helped us create the space where individuals can take responsibility for their learning and act upon the decisions they make.” —Deborah B. Reeve, EdD, Deputy Executive Director, National Association of Elementary School Principal