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Consensus is a decision-making process that fully utilizes the resources
of a group. It is more difficult and time consuming to reach than a democratic
vote or an autocratic decision. Most issues will involve trade-offs and
the various decision alternatives will not satisfy everyone. Complete unanimity
is not the goal - that is rarely possible. However, it is possible for each
individual to have had the opportunity to express their opinion, be listened
to, and accept a group decision based on its logic and feasibility considering
all relevant factors. This requires the mutual trust and respect of each
team member.
A consensus decision represents a reasonable decision that all members of
the group can accept. It is not necessarily the optimal decision for each
member. When all the group members feel this way, you have reached consensus
as we have defined it. This means that a single person can block consensus
if he or she feels that it is necessary.
Here are some guidelines for reaching consensus:
- Make sure everyone is heard from and feels listened to. Avoid arguing
for your own position. Present your position as clearly as possible. Listen
to other team members reactions and comments to assess their understanding
of your position. Consider their reactions and comments carefully before
you press your own point of view further.
- Do not assume that someone must win and someone must lose when a discussion
reaches a stalemate. Instead, look for the next most acceptable alternatives
for all parties. Try to think creatively. Explore what possibilities exist
if certain constraints were removed.
- Do not change your mind simply to avoid conflict, to reach agreement,
or maintain harmony. When agreement seems to come too quickly or easily,
be suspicious. Explore the reasons and be sure that everyone accepts the
solution for basically similar or complementary reasons. Yield only to
positions that have objective or logically sound foundations or merits.
- Avoid conflict-reducing techniques such as majority vote, averaging,
coin toss or bargaining. When dissenting members finally agree, do not
feel that they have to be rewarded or accommodated by having their own
way on some later point.
- Differences of opinion are natural and expected. Seek them out, value
them, and try to involve everyone in the decision process. Disagreements
can improve the group's decision. With a wider range of information and
opinions, there is a greater chance of that the group will hit upon a more
feasible or satisfactory solution.
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