A classic revisited. (Review).The Abilene Paradox The Abilene paradox is a paradox in which a group of people collectively decide on a course of action that is counter to the preferences of any of the individuals in the group. , second edition, video, 2002, 22 min., CRM (Customer Relationship Management) An integrated information system that is used to plan, schedule and control the presales and postsales activities in an organization. Learning (800-421-0833, www.crmlearning.com), DVD DVD: see digital versatile disc. DVD in full digital video disc or digital versatile disc Type of optical disc. The DVD represents the second generation of compact-disc (CD) technology. $995; video $895. Other material: leader guide, participant workbook work·book n. 1. A booklet containing problems and exercises that a student may work directly on the pages. 2. A manual containing operating instructions, as for an appliance or machine. 3. (10 copies), PowerPoint slides. Member discount. Have you ever stopped to think about how you got to where you are now? What series of decisions you made that brought you to this point, this place, or this situation? Were you active and deliberate in your decision making, or did you simply "go with the flow"? If your passive participation in group decisions led you to your destination, then you may be a victim of the Abilene Paradox. This video training program examines the "paradox of mismanaged agreement," which often occurs when groups make decisions. We learn about the Abilene Paradox on a hot summer day on the front porch porch Roofed structure, usually open at front and sides, projecting from the face of a building and used to protect an entrance. If colonnaded, it may be called a portico. of a home in Texas. Dr. Jerry Harvey recalls family visit that turns into a road trip to Abilene. Upon returning home, the family discovers that no one wanted to go to Abilene in the first place, but everyone went along for the ride. Through the events of that particular day, viewers learn about the Abilene Paradox and how to recognize when this type of group decision happens. The concepts are reinforced through two other stories, a corporate situation and a young couple's pending nuptials. The video sequences are logical and easy to follow, and Dr. Harvey's narration explains everything well. We learn what the Abilene Paradox means, how it happens, the reasons behind it, and most importantly Adv. 1. most importantly - above and beyond all other consideration; "above all, you must be independent" above all, most especially , how to avoid it. From an entertainment standpoint, I thoroughly enjoyed the video story. Although the content is the most important part of any training program, it's hard to argue with the importance of entertainment value, especially in a 26-minute video that is longer than most of today's TV sitcoms  The perspective and/or examples in this article do not represent a world-wide view. Please [ edit] this page to improve its geographical balance. ! The video is well produced and has a
high-quality production and convincing acting.
CRM Learning should be commended for their attention to detail in this training package. They included the original version of The Abilene Paradox on the videotape videotape Magnetic tape used to record visual images and sound, or the recording itself. There are two types of videotape recorders, the transverse (or quad) and the helical. , "for maximum flexibility." I was impressed with this consideration for organizations that might be used to the original and need to continue using it for various reasons. Other small but important details include the availability of closed captioning and the availability of both DVD and VHS (Video Home System) A half-inch, analog videocassette recorder (VCR) format introduced by JVC in 1976 to compete with Sony's Betamax, introduced a year earlier. formats. The complete training package includes the video program, facilitator PowerPoint slides on CD-ROM CD-ROM: see compact disc. CD-ROM in full compact disc read-only memory Type of computer storage medium that is read optically (e.g., by a laser). , a poster to hang on the classroom wall, Post-It notepads for participants (illustrated with the phrase "Skip the Trip!"), and pocket "Skip the Trip!" reminder cards. The spiralbound leader guide is thorough, and even a brand new trainer can follow the directions to deliver a high-impact training program. The guide outlines a four-hour session with five group exercises plus three optional activities for a longer workshop. The participant workbook rounds out the program and includes worksheets for each group activity. Recommendation Reflecting on your own life or the life of your organization, you will probably find examples of the Abilene Paradox. If this video training program will help your organization "skip the trip" to Abilene at least once, then it will be worth your while. The fact that CRM updated this program to a second edition illustrates the program's popularity and its first run success. I believe the second run will be just as successful. The Abilene Paradox product rating Holds viewer interest **** Acting/Presenting **** Diversity *** 1/2 Production quality **** Value of content *** 1/2 Instructional value *** 1/2 Value for the money *** 1/2 Overall rating **** Outstanding **** Very good *** 1/2 Good *** Above average ** 1/2 Average ** Below Average * 1/2 Poor * NA Not applicable NR Not rated (usually not enough information) Cindy Huggett (cindyhuggett@hotmail.com) has over 10 years experience in the training and development field. She is currently a one-person training department for Kinetic kinetic /ki·net·ic/ (ki-net´ik) pertaining to or producing motion. ki·net·ic adj. Of, relating to, or produced by motion. kinetic pertaining to or producing motion. Systems, Inc. with expertise in both technical and soft skills training programs. |
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