An introduction to the less familiar way we make our collective decisions.
Intro
Consensus decision making is a commitment to find solutions that are acceptable to all.
Instead of voting for an item, consensus is about finding common ground with decisions reached in a dialogue between equals, who take each other seriously and who recognize each other’s equal rights and needs.
No decision is made against the expressed will of an individual or a minority. Instead the group endeavors to adapt to all its members’ needs.
Stages of the Process
Stage 1: Introduce or clarify the issue or idea
Share background information. Work out the remit of the discussion - i.e. what questions do you need to decide about now?
Stage 2: Open out the discussion
Make space for everyone to share their needs and opinions before launching into trying to solve the problem. If solutions come up already, you could hear them briefly then park them for the next stage.
Stage 3: Explore ideas in a broad discussion
Come up with lots of different ways forward. Explore the pros and cons. Identify key concerns, needs and objectives.
Stage 4: Form a proposal
Look for a solution that meets everyones most important needs. This might involve weaving together elements of different ideas.
Stage 5: Amend the proposal
Look for changes that make the proposal even stronger.
Stage 6: Test for consensus
Clearly state the proposal and check whether there is real agreement. We ask in the following order:
Any VITOS?
Any STAND ASIDES?
Any RESERVATIONS?
Do we have AGREEMENT?
If we have too many stand asides or reservations we go back a stage and amend the proposal or create a new one.
Stage 7: Work out how to implement the decision
Work out what needs to happen, by when and by who.
When asking for consensus you will be asked to express one of the following:
🌻 AGREEMENT
Supporting the proposal and being willing to implement it.
🔨 RESERVATIONS
Having some reservations that the others should acknowledge, but being willing to still decide for the proposal.
👣 STAND ASIDE
You want to object, but not vito the proposal. This means you won’t help to implement the decision, but you are willing for the group to go ahead with it. You might stand aside because you disagree with the proposal, or you might like the decision but be unable to support it because you don’t have the time or energy.
The group may be happy to accept the stand aside and go ahead, or they may work on a new proposal. A critical question is whether the proposal requires everyone to implement it.
👎 VITO
Asking for a vito is communicating that you will need to leave the group if the decision goes ahead.
If there is a vito, we need a new proposal.
In cases where the vito stems from a fundamental disagreement with the aims of the group it might be more appropriate for the individual to leave.
Roles
Facilitator
Collecting agenda items
Keeping the meeting focused on one issue at a time
Making sure everyone can be involved in the discussion
Summarizing
Asking for agreement on proposals
The Facilitator role should rotate between meetings, facilitators should make their biases known.
Time Keeper
Keep everyone aware of the passage of time in relation to decision making
Take the time to make a good decision now to save wasting time revisiting a bad one later.
Vibe Guardians
Ensure meetings are accessible
Facilitate conflicts in line with our principles
Provide positive feedback when the group is working well
Diffusing tensions
Watching the emotional atmosphere
See also:
Scribe
Publicly writes down points, concerns and ideas during discussion phase
Keeps notes of discussions and decisions
Creates notes to be sent to anyone unable to attend or for newcomers to the cult
Co-ordinator
Keeps track of what needs to be done following the meeting
Keeps track of who is doing it and when
Participation
Be willing to work towards the solution that’s best for everyone, not just what’s best for you. Be flexible and willing to give up your favourite idea if there’s another solution that meets your core needs.
Help to create a respectful and trusting atmosphere. Make space for everyone to express their ideas and opinions, and remember we all have different needs, values and ways of communicating.
Be open and honest about the reasons for your view-points, and if possible express your concerns early on in the process so that they can be taken into account in any proposals.
Listen actively to what people are trying to say. Make an effort to understand someone’s position and their underlying needs, concerns and emotions. If you don’t understand try to say so.
Don’t be afraid of disagreement and conflict. Differences of opinion are natural and we need to know what they are in order to come up with a good decision. Easily reached consensus may cover up the fact that some people don’t feel safe or confident enough to express their disagreements.