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TECHNIQUES FOR CREATING CONSENSUS |
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Clearly frame the issue to be decided, the result you desire to achieve during the meeting.
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Clearly explain the process of decision making which will be used.
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Clearly explain the role of the facilitator.
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Use a "straw polling" procedure to see how the group is leaning on an issue and to facilitate the decision making process.
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Straw polling is not a vote. Consensus is not majority rules. We only have consensus when everyone agrees.
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A show of hands is an effective straw polling procedure.
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Be sure to at all times straw poll both sides of an issue, even if the first appearance is that everyone has voted one way.
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After straw polling, if the group is split, ask people to speak on both sides of the issue. Select the speakers from those who feel strongly about their position.
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The standard for consensus is that the whole group must agree with the decision. Each individual member must agree that the decision is what he or she wants. Do not allow the standard to drop to "I can live with it." or "I'll go along to get this meeting over with." Encourage participants to stand their ground.
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6. Expect dissent and disagreement during the process and view this as a positive step towards a high quality decision. Decisions made without dissent are often of poor quality.
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Encourage participants to be direct and concise in all communications.
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Encourage everyone to actively listen to each person in the group and to seek to understand other points of view. Look for the possible merit of each other's opinions.
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Encourage everyone to approach the meeting and the decision in a rational manner rather than an emotional one.
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If the meeting gets off track or people become focuses on their own comfort or emotion, re-focus the group on the desired result.
