Using Multi-Objective Management to Reduce Flood Losses in Your

You probably will have a good feel for whether agreeing on goals and
objectives will be difficult. If it does not appear to be too divisive, try this simple
approach:
1. Have everyone write their goals and objectives down.
2. Post them for all to see, combining those that are the same or similar.
3. Restate them in summary form, using positive statements.
4. Identify those that everyone can agree on.
5. Discuss what problems people have with the ones that are left.
6. See if agreement can be reached if some words are changed.
If this approach doesn’t work, you have two options: either drop the more detailed
statements and get consensus on the general goals or invite an experienced
facilitator to help you move through a formal process of consensus building. You
may want to line up a facilitator in advance so you don’t lose your momentum or
waste time arguing over details.
A trained facilitator can be very helpful. As a neutral outsider, he or she
can be trusted by everyone to give all interests a chance to be heard. Facilitators
also know numerous exercises and other ways to identify common concerns and
minimize differences. They are skilled at separating issues and interests from
discussions of people and positions. They can build an atmosphere in which give
and take is easier and productive.
To Find Out More > > See also the Guides for Watershed Partnerships
Series’ booklets, Building Local Partnerships, Leading and Communicating, and
Managing Conflict for additional guidance on building consensus.
Review Alternatives and Select the Best Ones
As shown in Chapters 3 and 4, many different measures can be brought to bear on
the flood problem and help meet other goals. Many of them are inexpensive and
easy to implement. The M-O-M approach won’t work unless you examine all of
the possible alternatives.
How to review
The section headings in Chapter 3 can be used as a checklist to ensure that
everything is considered. No measure should be discarded until you are sure you
understand what is involved. Although some measures may be quickly eliminated
as inappropriate, most deserve careful consideration, especially to make sure
everyone understands how they work and what their costs and benefits will be.
You and your fellow planners should systematically review each possible
measure. Reject a measure only if you answer “no” to one or more of these
questions:
Is the measure technically appropriate for the flood hazard
Does it support any of your goals and objectives
Do its benefits equal or exceed its cost
Is it affordable
Do you know where the money will come from
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