ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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We have used a process for consensus that we learned from some of our
corporate partners, called the "Exception Process." The process begins with
a draft document. Then the document is reviewed by the entire group in a
meeting, preferably with an outside facilitator, using the following
formula.
Participant: "I take exception to..."
Facilitator "What change would make it acceptable to you?"
Participant: It would be acceptable to me if..."
Facilitator: "So if it read [repeat changes here, possibly clarifying
wording if really necessary], would that be acceptable to you?"
The exceptions can be to either things that are there or to things that are
missing. No one else is allowed to speak during this exchange and side
conversations should also be prohibited - these are very important ground
rules. The facilitator helps clarify wording but should not change meaning,
which is why it is helpful to have a person external to the agenda do the
facilitation. Yes, the dialog is stilted, but it does make sure a person is
heard. The person with the exception must suggest an acceptable
alternative. If they cannot, the facilitator might probe a little, but
should keep the responsibility firmly with the participant. If an
alternative cannot be suggested, the exception is not allowed. Once an
exception is resolved to the satisfaction of an individual, the next
exception is heard. Of course, someone may take exception to the exception.
They should not, however, be allowed to change it back to the original,
since there is already an exception on the floor to the original. They
must, in turn, revise it to be acceptable.
This process may take a long time and should not be rushed, but it will
eventually result either in consensus or reveal that there are fundamental
disagreements that need to be resolved before reconvening.
David Smith, Da Vinci Discovery Center, Bethlehem, PA
-----Original Message-----
From: Informal Science Education Network
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Joanna Fisher
Sent: Wednesday, May 25, 2005 12:26 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: The process of Naming things
ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
institutions.
****************************************************************************
*
Naming things (exhibits, programs, galleries, etc.) is not easy and has the
potential to drive individuals and departments apart. Everyone has a great
idea, wants it their way and thinks that everyone else's idea for a name is
silly, especially if it's the final name chosen.
I would love to hear from anyone who has a good process or plan to name a
project. I would like to be able to include everyone who needs a voice, but
put the final decisions in the "right" place. Any ideas?
Joanna Fisher
Director of Planning and Program Development
The Children's Museum of Utah
840 N 300 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84103
801-456-KIDS (5437) x113
801-456-5440 fax
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More information about the Informal Science Education Network and the
Association of Science-Technology Centers may be found at http://www.astc.org.
To remove your e-mail address from the ISEN-ASTC-L list, send the
message SIGNOFF ISEN-ASTC-L in the BODY of a message to
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