Larry Dressler

In Standing in the Fire, Larry Dressler defines elements at play in convening intense, emotionally-charged meetings. The book helps to increase our capacities and practices to lead meetings that are often a "test by fire." Larry shares his insight and that of forty other change agents enabling us to feel the "burn", and not be "burned out", but rather be inspired to achieve more effective outcomes.

In the fire of conflict and confusion many of the standard management tools have little to offer. Dressler offers a new perspective and a new set of tools to help channel fire into transformative outcomes. This is a must read for anyone who must navigate through a sea of emotionally charged issues.

Standing in the Fire affirmed for me that learning to lead others through uncertainty and conflict is, at its heart, a spiritual journey. Larry Dressler has written another provocative and inspiring book that I'll use and share with colleagues for many years to come.

We mediators and facilitators pride ourselves in having a sophisticated understanding of group process, of complex issues, and of what makes groups tick. But self-awareness, which is crucial in this profession, is sometimes elusive. Larry Dressler challenges us to look deeply at who we are and how we can best use ourselves in our work. I found this book to be both challenging and helpful.

Practical, insightful, and filled with entertaining stories. I recommend this book for anyone working in the arena of public engagement and deliberation. Larry Dressler's insights and suggested practices offer us a way to overcome our personal challenges and become the leaders we aspire to be.

The more complex the challenges, the more likely the solutions involve passing through the flames of change. Offering compelling wisdom from the inside out, Standing in the Fire equips you to support groups in making it through. Step in with both feet!

Larry Dressler has done a remarkable job of unpacking what it takes to walk thoughtfully, deliberately and effectively through even the most challenging leadership moments. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a deeper understanding of and a more productive output from emotionally charged group interactions

Standing in the Fire shows us that uncomfortable meetings offer great possibility if we are leading to our fullest potential. No matter what our job titles are, Larry Dressler teaches us how the toughest work 'out there' is always an opportunity to do the work 'in here'.

Standing in the Fire argues that change requires not only the right tools wielded by skilled hands but more importantly the knowing heart of a facilitator to foster true transformation in people and institutions.

Larry touches the heart of matter for those of us who are called to do the work of opening and holding space for learning and transformation. To be our selves in the fire takes an inner strength that does not come for free. Larry's invitation to practice this stance in our own way is most timely.

Standing in the Fire" is a book for our time, a time of conflict and tension in every arena of our lives. It is a book for anyone who feels called to stand in hard places and help people find life-giving ways to proceed. Larry Dressler knows that the way we "stand," or what we embody in such situations is as important to outcomes as what we do. The author's long experience with cultivating leaders who embody certain virtues, his clear and compelling prose, and the real-life examples he cites make this book one that can help you find generative ways of standing in your work and world.

From the opening story this book is an invaluable companion for all those who train, facilitate, run and/or design high-stakes meetings. Larry's well of wisdom is awe-inspiring.

Standing in the Fire is eloquent, clear, and wise. Key distinctions in the Being of facilitation are grounded in pragmatic practices that really work. Every facilitator, consultant, and leader who convenes gatherings of passionate and committed humans will find value in Dressler's important contribution.

Dressler leads us straight into the heat of the moment, where the inner dimensions of facilitation and leadership become vividly clear. From there he speaks not with the voice of abstract authority, but as one fire tender to another. He shows us how personal practice transforms facilitation into an ongoing journey of self-discovery and self-mastery, and offers a wealth of tips for strengthening our presence, agility, and joy along the way.

In running tough meetings, the most important person for us to influence is ourselves. In self-mastery lies true power. In this wise and stimulating book, Larry Dressler draws on his rich experience to show us how to bring our personal best to facilitating polarized group situations. I wish I had had it to read years ago!"