Introduction

For those needing a refresher on the consensus process, here is a wonderful explanation of the process provided by professional facilitator Tree Bressen.

Main Reasons to Use Consensus as a Decision-Making Method:

• • High quality decisions
• • Builds connection among members
• • More effective implementation

Principles

• • Cooperation is the basis (we all get more of what we want when we cooperate)
• • Consensus is for people who are genuinely trying to work together, typically based on some shared interest, purpose or calling; OK if some interests are divergent, as long as sufficient joint interests are present
• • "Us against the problem" we are trying to solve rather than "us against each other"
• • Recognize that no decision-making system gets everyone their first choice all the time
• • Consensus seeks to synthesize the wisdom of the group
• • Unity (different from unanimous vote or everyone's first choice)
• • "Everyone has a piece of the truth"
• • Value all kinds of input (rational, emotional, kinesthetic, etc.)
• • Encourages lifting everyone up to their highest potential
• • Share, question, and learn from each other's experience and thinking
• • Meetings should be fulfilling—if they're not, then ask why, and change it!

What Helps Consensus Work Well

• • Common purpose
• • Listening
• • Openness to ideas, feelings and experiences of others
• • Trust (some degree)
• • Commitment
• • Preparation: agenda planning, facilitator prep, bringing materials, etc.

Steps of the Consensus Process

• 1. Introduction to Issue (by presenter, preferably not the facilitator)
• 2. Clarifying Questions
• 3. Discussion
• 4. Establish Basic Direction
• 5. Synthesize or Modify Proposal as needed
• 6. Call for Consensus
• 7. Record

Decision Point Structure

• • Agreement (Thumbs Up)
• • Standing Aside (Thumbs Sideways)
• • Blocking (Thumbs Down)