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["Lynda" <lurine AT softcom.net>]

The difference is intent.  With Delphi Technique, the "resolution" is 
predetermined.  The parties to the conflict are "led" to believe that "they" 
have reached a resolution that "they" thought of and that "they" think is 
the best possible end to the conflict.

My first actual experience with Delphi was back in the 80s.  Bush Sr. got 
together the governors of all the states for a forum on education.  The 
result of that forum, run by Clinton, btw, was Goals which morphed into 
Goals 2000 which morphed into NCLB.

The governors were sent home and told to "get your educational leaders 
behind this."

My part in this was setting up the seminars that taught school districts how 
to implement "consensus" using the Delphi Technique so that parents, 
community leaders and business leaders would "get behind" pushing Goals.

The consensus was predetermined.  The folks that lead these groups are 
really quite talented.  If you are ever in a position to watch the group 
dynamics and how they play sheepdog to the sheople, do so.  It is every bit 
as interesting as watching an actual sheepdog work!

And, just so you know, most "organized" conflict resolution (union 
negotiation, court appointed, etc.) is actually done using some form of 
Delphi Technique or Alinsky Method.

I have a ton of stuff on it.  These seminars that I coordinated usually 
lasted for a minimum of 3 days.  "Change agents" are very well trained!

Lynda
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Gene GeRue" <genegerue AT ruralize.com>


> As you are onto this subject and I am not, what key differences do
> you find between the Delphi technique and conflict resolution?