1 OBF #74 May, 2001 Consensus

2 Discussion Points: –What it is –What it is NOT –How to recognize it –How to achieve it –Going forward without it Achieving Consensus

3 What It Is... –Substantial agreement among participants/ interest groups Interest Group = companies materially & differently affected by the outcome or result of an issue or question being called –More than a simple majority –Not necessarily unanimous agreement –Free from interest group dominance (all views and objections have been heard) –Concerted effort has been made to resolve objections Achieving Consensus

4 What It Is... –Consensus is a “Gaining of Understanding” by a group of individuals –A participant’s silence = consensus Achieving Consensus

5 Reaching Consensus... –Consensus has been reached when each person involved can honestly say to the others: I believe that you understand my point I believe that I understand your point I can support that consensus has been reached because: –I believe it was arrived at in a fair and open manner, »whether or not it is my first choice, and »whether or not my company agrees with it Achieving Consensus

6 Reaching Consensus... –When there are questions or disputes: Objecting participant(s) should be asked to state the rationale for the objection An opportunity should be provided for discussion aimed at achieving full understanding and consideration of the objection –A key factor in determining whether consensus is reached should be the rationale for how a question or issue directly and materially affects any given participant. Achieving Consensus

7 Reaching Consensus... –Polling: Can be used as a tool for reaching consensus –No attribution, but show of hands Polling is not voting Achieving Consensus

8 The Consensus Process is NOT: –A tool to frustrate –A tool to obstruct progress –Produced behind closed doors Achieving Consensus

9 How to Achieve It... –Adequate time for consideration –Address all comments & concerns –Ask if there are objections –Provide opportunity for off-line discussions –Further study (i.e., task force groups, conference calls) Achieving Consensus

10 Going Ahead Without It... –No National Agreement: Document the diverse views Cooling off period (time from current General Session to the next) It’s OK to seek guidance if no agreement: –Discuss with OBF Moderator who will present to PCCs for review/guidance –If consensus still not reached, OBF Moderator will present issue to the CLC for review/guidance Achieving Consensus

11 Going Ahead Without It... –No National Agreement: Committee retains responsibility to resolve the issue PCCs/CLC provide guidance to assist the committee with the resolution Only after CLC has referred issue back to forum with guidance and still no consensus…..issue is placed into final closure with resolution of “No National Agreement” Achieving Consensus

12 Going Ahead Without It... –No National Agreement: A resolution of “No National Agreement” does not mean the process failed Achieving Consensus

13 Co-Leader Responsibilities... –Cornerstone of OBF process –Clear statement of consensus must be articulated Where the situation dictates, document consensus statement and review statement with committee prior to consensus call –Call consensus/recognize consensus when it is: required achieved –Move discussions on to next agenda item Achieving Consensus