1. CONSENSUS DECISION MAKING???

2. 9 COMMON DECISION- MAKING PROCESSES UNANIMOUS VOTE BY GROUP
ANNOUNCEMENT
LOTTERY, COIN FLIP, STRAWS
HISTORICAL
PRECEDENT,
TRADITION
9 COMMON
DECISION-
MAKING
PROCESSES
COMPROMISE,
GROUP AVERAGING,
BARGAINING
GROUP CONSENSUS
MAJORITY VOTE
BY GROUP
EXPERT COMMITTEE
IS GRANTED POWER
POLICIES / WRITTEN
GUIDELINES

3. What is consensus decision making?
It is a process for group decision making in which all members provide input and a decision is made that is acceptable to all group members.
It does not mean that everyone agrees with the decision, but it does mean that everyone can live with, support and implement it.
It is a form of cooperative, non-coercive decision-making.

4. The Consensus Process A group of people… Raise an issue or a problem
Discuss the issue
Thorough, depersonalized discussion – what is best for the group?

5. Propose a variety of options
present all possible options
examine the problems associated with the proposed options
note the agreements and disagreements and the reasons for them

6. synthesize and evaluate the proposed options to find one or find a totally new alternative
Choose the option that best satisfies the group
since everyone is involved in the decision, there is a greater chance the change will be implemented
incorporates everyone’s “best thinking”

7. Things to consider…
Do not argue for your own position or idea; simply present it
Remember, you are addressing the proposed options, not attacking the people who put them forward
Don’t change your mind to avoid conflict
Avoid employing “conflict reducing techniques” – majority vote, coin-flips, bargaining

8. Don’t take disagreements with your idea(s) as personal attacks
Be aware of the shy people in the group – their voices also need to be heard
Don’t allow the discussion to get limited to one proposal – this may close off other good ideas
The group takes credit for the good decisions, but also takes responsibility for the failures

9. When does consensus work best?
Consensus works best when the participants…
Share values
Value the other participants
Are informed
Make a commitment to work together
Actively listen to each other
Are willing to accept differences of opinion

10. Summary Consensus means…
all group members contribute
differences are viewed as helpful
all members share the final decision
all members support the final decision
all members take responsibility for implementing the final decision