Reaching Consensus
Consensus vs. Voting
Voting: Majority wins, minority loses Consensus: Everyone can support the decision
Consensus Levels
| Level | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1 | Fully support |
| 2 | Support with minor concerns |
| 3 | Can live with it |
| 4 | Have serious concerns |
| 5 | Cannot support |
Goal: Everyone at level 3 or better.
Techniques
Fist of Five
Quick check on support:
- •5 fingers: Fully support
- •4 fingers: Support
- •3 fingers: OK with it
- •2 fingers: Concerns
- •1 finger: Strong concerns
- •Fist: Block
Gradients of Agreement
- •Enthusiastic Yes
- •Supportive Yes
- •Willing Yes
- •Reservations
- •Stand Aside
- •Block
Proposal-Based
- •Present proposal
- •Clarifying questions
- •Quick reactions
- •Amendments
- •Check for consensus
- •Iterate if needed
When Stuck
Disagree and Commit
- •Debate thoroughly
- •Make decision
- •Everyone commits
- •Review later
Time-Boxing
- •Set decision deadline
- •If no consensus, fallback option
- •Owner makes final call
Smaller Group
- •Delegate to experts
- •Report back
- •Full group ratifies
Facilitation Tips
- •Ensure everyone speaks
- •Summarize positions
- •Find common ground
- •Address concerns directly
- •Document the decision
- •Include dissenting views