Working with Consensus
What is Consensus Decision Making?
Consensus is a cooperative group thinking and decision-making process in which the members develop and agree to support a decision that supports the well-being of the whole. The interests and needs of every member are carefully considered and a good faith effort is made to address them. Consensus is a "process of discovery" in which people attempt to combine the collective wisdom of all participants into the best decision possible." Consensus has been reached when every person involved in the decision agrees to implement it, recognizing that while it may not be their most preferred decision, it is the best decision that can be made at this time.
Why make the extra effort?
- Everyone participates thus engaging the wisdom of the whole group
- Everyone buys into and supports the decision; or at least agrees not to stand in the way
- Implementation of the decision occurs more quickly and easily
- It avoids creates winners and losers and minimizes damage to relationships
What are the principles of consensus?
- Seek to understand others' interests before being understood
- It is not OK to pressure dissenters into agreement
- If anyone is not in agreement, s/he must explain which interests are not met
- Anyone who does not agree is invited/expected to offer alternatives
- Closure occurs when all can live with - if not enthusiastically support - a solution
When does it make sense to use it?
- The stakes are high
- A non-consensus decision could fragment your team or impede your success
- A solution would be difficult or impossible to implement without cooperation of all
- No one person has the knowledge (or in some cases the authority) to make the decision
- takeholders with different interests and perspectives need to come together in service of the whole.
- A complex problem calls for a creative "big picture" solution
Where can I learn more?
- The Consensus Pocket Guide, Larry Dressler, Blue Wing Consulting
- The Skilled Facilitator, Roger M. Schwarz, Jossey-Bass.
- www.consensustools.com