Reaching Consensus

Consensus is a 'general agreement' meaning that all those involved support the final decision.

For the individual, it is a conscious balance between being stubborn and 'caving in'. Decisions made by a group are usually of a higher quality and more likely to be implemented. Consensus will not have been reached until everyone in the group can say...

• I believe that you understand my point of view.
• I believe that I understand your point of view.
• Whether or not I prefer this decision, I will support it because:  
  • I believe it is a workable decision;
    
  • it was reached openly and fairly;
    
  • I have no moral or ethical objections.

Methods

• Establish group goals, procedures, roles, processes and time structure at the start of the meeting.
• Avoid arguing for the sake of getting your own way, but don’t change your mind for the sole purpose of avoiding conflict.
• Avoid conflicting-reducing techniques such as majority voting, averaging, bargaining, coin tossing etc.
• View differences of opinion as natural and helpful rather than as a hindrance.
• Be suspicious of quick agreements.
• Take the time to explore and support all viewpoints — including minority viewpoints.
• Time must be allowed for all group members to state their opposition and state it fully enough to get the feeling that others truly do understand them.
• It is imperative that all members listen carefully to people expressing viewpoints which are different to their own.
• Verbally test for consensus by going around the table — silence or a few head nods does not necessarily mean consensus.

Behaviours

• Listen effectively to each other.
• Clarify by asking questions and checking your understanding of other's viewpoints.
• Support and build on other's ideas.
• Recognise team members' contributions.
• Demonstrate trust, frankness and openness.
  
  

  THREE QUESTIONS FOR CHECKING WHETHER   CONSENSUS HAS BEEN REACHED ‘Does everybody agree with this decision?’ ‘Does anyone disagree with this decision?’ ‘Do you have any moral or ethical objections?’ Don’t take silence as agreement!

  
  

  Consensus Exercise

  How Many Beans...

  Fill a large, transparent jar with beans. Individually estimate and record how many beans you believe there are in the jar.

  Share your estimate with your subgroup and then agree on a group estimate of thenumber of beans in the jar. Finally, empty the jar and count the beans.

  Share your estimate with your subgroup and then agree on a group estimate of thenumber of beans in the jar. Finally, empty the jar and count the beans.

  Compare the individual results with: the group result, and the actual count. Also review whether you could improve the method for counting the beans. Also see: The Delphi Consultation Process

  ---

  
  

  Consensus Effectiveness Questionnaire

  The purpose of this questionnaire is to identify the strengths and areas for improvement in your group’s use of consensus behaviours.

  Activities

  1.	Individually evaluate your group's effectiveness on the scale provided.
  2.	Share your evaluation with your sub-group and reach consensus on the key opportunities for improvement.
  3.	Agree on how you will try to improve on the use of the identified behaviours in the next group exercise.

  
  

  Assessment

  		Done poorly		Done fairly well		Done very well
  1.	Listening effectively.	1	2	3	4	5
  2.	Seeking clarification and understanding of others' viewpoints.	1	2	3	4	5
  3.	Supporting and building on each others' ideas.	1	2	3	4	5
  4.	Being completely candid and open.	1	2	3	4	5
  5.	Establishing group goals and procedures/processes.	1	2	3	4	5
  6.	Taking the time to explore all viewpoints of group members.	1	2	3	4	5
  7.	Avoiding majority voting, averaging, coin tossing to speed up the process.	1	2	3	4	5
  8.	Exploring and attempting to support minority viewpoints.	1	2	3	4	5
  9.	Providing recognition to team members for their contributions.	1	2	3	4	5
  10.	Demonstrating trust in each other.	1	2	3	4	5

  
  

  Become a member or supporter to get early access to new articles.

  
  
  

  ---

  Support the Learning Pages project | ☕️ Buy me a coffee