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