The Power of Collaborative Decision Making
Breaking the gridlock on even the most complex and contentious issues.
A new white paper from Confluence Policy & Strategy Group
What's inside and why it matters now
Political gridlock. Fractured stakeholder trust. Processes that convene the right people and still produce nothing.
These aren’t just frustrating. They’re expensive — in time, political capital, and public confidence.
The Power of Collaborative Decision Making is a practical guide for government leaders, agency directors, and policy professionals who need more than good intentions. It covers the full arc of a Collaborative Decision Making Process from deciding whether to use one, to structuring it for results, to facilitating and closing it in a way that holds.
Built from 15+ years and more than 50 work groups and task forces across government, the private sector, and public-private partnerships, this is what we’ve learned actually works. And what we’ve seen fail.
When and when not to use a CDMP
Not every hard problem needs a task force. Learn the conditions that make collaborative processes the right tool and the warning signs that a process is set up to fail before it begins.
What makes facilitation work
There is a significant difference between a moderator and a strategic facilitator. And in high-stakes, politically charged environments, that difference can determine the outcome. This paper breaks down what to look for and what to avoid.
The 7 keys to structure
Scope, membership, authority, and decision-making process are foundational design decisions that separate groups that deliver from those that stall. Too many people skip at least two of these. Most failed processes trace back to exactly that.
How to launch, sustain, and close strong
A well-designed process can still fail without the right preparation, meeting discipline, and intentional close. This section covers the operational arc from first meeting to final recommendations — and how to set those recommendations up for action.
"There is rarely traction without friction but friction must be a tool for progress, not a state of being or an outcome."
Confluence Policy & Strategy Group
About the authors
Berrick Abramson
President, Confluence PSG
Berrick Abramson is a nationally respected strategist and executive facilitator with more than 25 years of experience in public policy, government affairs, and private sector finance. As President of Confluence PSG, Berrick oversees all aspects of the firm’s work, frequently leading high-stakes engagements that demand skilled facilitation, political savvy, and deep policy knowledge. Known for his ability to break through gridlock, he has advised governors, mayors, state legislators, members of Congress and C-suite leaders across the country. His expertise spans fiscal policy, economic development, public safety, housing, workforce development, K-12 and post-secondary education, transportation, civil rights, and criminal justice with experience negotiating public-private partnerships, intergovernmental agreements and collective bargaining agreements. Earlier in his career, Berrick worked in corporate finance and later led national public policy teams and practices for several organizations. Beyond his professional work, Berrick is an adventure race competitor, skydiver, open-water paddler, a mentor to startup founders, and an advocate for Crohn’s disease awareness and research.
Caroline Steele
Policy Director & Senior Project Manager
Caroline Steele brings more than 15 years of experience in government, nonprofit leadership, and corporate finance to her role as Policy Director and Senior Project Manager at Confluence PSG. Caroline leads the firm’s day-to-day operations and manages complex, multi-stakeholder projects ranging from high-profile state government coalitions to cross-sector collaborations. Known for her precision, professionalism, and ability to manage competing priorities, Caroline has built strong, trusted relationships with leaders in government, business, and philanthropy. Her background includes organizing international events, navigating multimillion-dollar M&A transactions, and designing stakeholder engagement strategies. Caroline is also a passionate advocate for animal welfare, a devoted family member, and an avid explorer of the outdoors.
Facing a problem that's been stuck?
If you’re considering a task force, work group, or any form of collaborative process we’d be happy to talk.
Our team has managed complex, high-stakes efforts across government, the private sector,
and public-private partnerships in more than a dozen states.
We know what it takes to move things that have stalled.
CONTACT INFO
- CO | NC | FL | National
- 303.551.6989
- 910.239.8740
- inquiry@confluencepsg.com
