Consensus Validation A Tool for Teams GALA Leadership Symposium October 11, 2013 Presenter: Mindy Taylor

Session Overview  Become familiar with a group process tool called Consensus Validation  Learn the steps in doing Consensus Validation  Identify situations in which the use of Consensus Validation is most appropriate

Introductions 60-seconds or less Name Role Why you are here

Definition of Consensus The process of reaching a conclusion, recommendation, course of action or decision that all team members can support and that NO team member opposes

Use of Consensus Decision-making

Deciding How To Decide Vroom Decision Model Three Main Factors: Decision Quality – how important is it to come up with the "right" solution? Commitment of Others - how important is it that your team and others buy into the decision? Time Constraints – How much time do you have to make the decision?

So what’s the big deal? Why do we need a special process to validate consensus?

Consensus Validation Overview About WHAT and WHY Not about WHO Confirms when consensus exists When consensus has not been achieved, identifies areas that need further discussion Quick to do

Example: GALA Board Strategic Planning JAN 2012 Initial Vision GALA of the Future - Board - M & D Put numbers to & sequence top priorities Revise framework; reorganize potential objectives Organize data; Create framework APR Articulation of “Critical Few” Strategic Imperatives SEPT Initial Prioritization of Implementing Objectives JAN Operating Plan Budget

Consensus Validation Process 1.Facilitator prepares in advance a list of questions which directly address the work that’s being done. 2.On a blank sheet of paper, have each team member respond to each question on a scale of agreement 1 (low) to 9 (high). 3.Collect all the papers, shuffle & redistribute. 4.On flipchart, record all the responses in a matrix – 1-9 across the top; 1- (however many questions you have) down the left side

Reading the Matrix clear consensus concept generally acceptable, but 1 or 2 aspects need discussion a problem with either idea or part of team

When Consensus Validation Fails The group needs to take a side-step and determine the concerns which are present. What issues might cause our team members to rate their support for “x” low? What aspects have we not considered carefully enough? (Other open-ended questions??)

Consensus Validation Rules 1.It’s personal – each person votes 2.It’s anonymous 3.Rule of Two* – at least two participants who vote significantly different from the rest of the team to stop the process 4.Solicit reasons for WHAT and WHY – never ask WHO 5.Adjust the idea/plan as needed and do the consensus validation vote again.

Application Exercise Decide on Change of Concert Apparel

1.Do you personally agree that the team conclusion is one which you can actively support & will not oppose? 2.Do you feel that all committee members will actively support & not oppose the decision? 3.Were your ideas heard & respected? 4.Do you believe all members participated effectively in the discussion and that their ideas were heard & respected?

Discussion What are current situations where you might use Consensus Validation? What issues do you imagine you might run up against? When would you NOT use this tool?

Closing Thoughts Consensus Validation is a quick and simple tool to aid group process and team development Written description of Consensus Validation will be available via the GALA website

THANK YOU for your participation & Please take a few minutes to complete the Session Evaluation