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Reaching an Informed �Group Conscience

Using

Knowledge-Based Decision-Making (KBDM)

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Reaching an Informed �Group Conscience

Llegar a un informado

conciencia de grupo

Using

Knowledge-Based Decision-Making

(KBDM)

Usando

toma de decisiones

basada en el

conocimiento

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Purposes of the workshop

Informed group conscience
Group decisions
Spiritual principles
KBDM process

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Informed group conscience

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Informed group conscience

Our principles are spiritual...

“It may be helpful for the group to review these principles prior to group discussions.”

2014-2017 Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual (P24/27)

Groups at Work p. 53

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Informed group conscience

“The guiding principles for the group conscience are always the Twelve Traditions and the Twelve Concepts of Service.”

2014-2017 Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual (P24/27)

Groups at Work p. 53

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Group decisions

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Collective wisdom

“ … we seek spiritual guidance for our groups in the same collective wisdom. We call this a ‘group conscience,’ the voice of the majority of members. We believe it represents the greatest good for the greatest number.”

How Al-Anon Works (B-22), p. 110

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Spiritual Principles

Decision Making

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Tradition Two

“For our group purpose there is but one authority - a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants - they do not govern.”

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Spiritual principles

Open-mindedness
Equality
Unity
Responsibility

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KBDM

What is

Knowledge-Based Decision-Making?

How does it fit Al-Anon?

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Ask yourselves:

Does our current process allow us to reach the best decision possible?

Ask yourselves: Does our current process allow us to reach the best decision possible?

In using only parliamentary procedure, sometimes the motion itself becomes the issue. Everyone tries to wordsmith it, modify it, or add punctuation to it. All the energy is diverted into the motion rather than the topic. Have you ever experienced that?

Sometimes when someone brings a motion, no one knows why it is being brought or how it fits into the meeting. Because it is in the form of a motion, a pro and con debate begins before anyone has had a chance to have an informed discussion. Opinions abound in the absence of real information. Suddenly, a vote has been taken and people are still trying to figure out what the facts are. Sometimes, we vote when we don’t fully understand.

<CLICK>

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�Talk to each other �reason things out....

2014-2017 Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual (P-24/27)

Groups at Work p. 22

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Knowledge-Based Decision-Making

Is KBDM aligned with

our spiritual principles????

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KBDM has five basic elements

Open communication
Dialogue before deliberation
Common access
Culture of trust
Confidence in our partners

Here are the elements of the Knowledge-Based Decision-Making process.

Think about how each element could work in our districts or in our Assemblies.

• Open communication between leadership and membership - Flow of information goes all ways. <CLICK>

• Dialogue before deliberation - Talk to each other, reason things out. <CLICK>

• Common access to full information for all decision makers - Information is not used as a tool to forward our personal agenda. <CLICK>

• Existence in a culture of trust - Presume goodwill. Don’t question people’s motives. <CLICK>

• Confidence in the competency of our partners - I am not the ultimate authority. <CLICK>

(pause for audience contemplation)

Can we agree that these elements are in alignment with our spiritual principles? <CLICK>

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Open communication

“We need only contribute our personal experience, strength and hope honestly; listen to each other respectfully; …”

Paths to Recovery (B-24), p. 133

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Open communication

“Today I believe the process of discussion, review of our literature, and a vote is a good way for our

group to make decisions that just about everyone can accept.”

Paths to Recovery (B-24), p. 149

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Common access

Robert’s Rules of Order

Knowledge-Based Decision-Making

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Dialogue before deliberation

“…listens to all ideas of the group and collects all pertinent information available before deciding...”

Paths to Recovery (B-24), p. 151

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Dialogue before deliberation

“Some simple group decisions may be decided quickly; however, others may take time. It is by taking the time necessary to hear from all members who want to participate that a group conscience evolves.”

2014-2017 Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual (P24/27)

Groups at Work p. 53

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Dialogue before deliberation

“ I must consider all of the facts and examine the possible consequences. I have to learn to take time and think things through.”

Paths to Recovery (B-24), p. 151

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We exist in a culture of trust

“ We start by trusting a Higher Power and continue by learning to trust each other.”

Paths to Recovery (B-24), p.145

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We exist in a culture of trust

“Over time we learn to recognize and accept that in the long run the wisdom of the group, informed by thorough discussion and guided by a Higher Power, ultimately will be the best for the group and its individual members.”

Paths to Recovery (B-24), p.146

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Confidence in our partners

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Consider:

Do we announce the topic on our agenda ahead of time so no one is surprised?
Do we provide adequate background information to everyone involved ahead of time?
Do members have the opportunity to ask questions?

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Consider:

4. How can we create and maintain an atmosphere of trust in our Assembly?

5. Do we have confidence in the competency of our partners?

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How does KBDM help us?

Allows time for collection of information to help us make decisions
Helps us decide if a topic is one we want to pursue

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Spiritual Principles:

Equality

Trust

Unity

Humility

Respect

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We accept the group conscience:

Trust in our Higher Power
Hear everyone’s ideas
Present pertinent information
Use spiritual principles
Discuss as needed
Adhere to the unenforceable

(Twelve Traditions)

Directed by Higher Power

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In summary:

“By being part of an informed group conscience, gathering the information we need, letting our loving God guide us, and remaining trusted servants, we are all part of the group and support its decisions.”

Paths to Recovery (B-24), p. 145

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KBDM Process

Provide background and framing
Send out questions
Compile responses
Share the responses
Discuss

To ensure the best participation, send out the KBDM questions and provide background and framing to give everyone an equal start to the discussion. This should be done well in advance of the meeting.

Compile the responses and share them with the decision-making body in advance of the meeting.

During the discussion, everyone can add to the information. Encourage all input, as there are no wrong responses or opinions. This input will provide a wide variety of information, experience, and perceptions.

Finding responses to each of the questions can form a common basis of information for everyone. Opinions should be backed up by experience, principle, or knowledge so that the information is meaningful. Share the responses with all decision makers.

People may disagree upon what question a response goes under. We all see things slightly differently and some responses can fit in more than one place. Where it is recorded is less important than that it is recorded. Take enough time to discuss.

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KBDM Questions

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Question 1

What do we know about our members’ or prospective members’ needs that is relevant to this discussion?

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Question 2

What do we know about the resources and our vision for the organization that is relevant to this discussion?

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Question 3

What do we know about the current realities and evolving dynamics of the world and our fellowship that is relevant to this discussion?

What are the Pros and Cons?

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Question 4

What are the ethical implications of our choices?

In other words :

Will our decision be consistent with our spiritual principles?

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Question 5

What do we wish we knew, but don’t?

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Decision…�

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Let’s have a conversation!

What did I learn about KBDM today?

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Sharing our experience, strength, and hope

Will you share something you’ve learned today?

Do you still have questions?

How can you envision using this model in your Area?