Consensus is more than the result of a vote, it is a group decision making process. Making decisions by consensus is what makes associations work.
To achieve consensus means a group of people listen to each other’s opinions respectfully, offer their own opinions persuasively and after considering all options arrive at a group conclusion. Following the decision, all parties (even those whose opinion was not the conclusion) should publicly support the decision.
Without consensus, an organization’s decision making process can only lead to failure.
Hi Rick, interesting blog this week. Do you have any suggestions on how to help groups reach a consensus on sensitive or controversial issues?
Thanks for the question Erin.
I think the most important factor in organizations achieving consensus on any issue – but especially controversial ones – is to have a culture of trust amongst the leadership.
When the leaders trust each other, even though they may disagree passionately, they can achieve consensus.
When there is skepticism or a lack of trust, any consensus will be short lived.
Hope that helps.
In my experience a consensus process can be very valuable because it gives a voice to those who in a straight up and down majority vote would “lose.” As long as the result of the consensus is not in direct opposition to the beliefs of those who otherwise would be in the minority, it allows all to coalesce and move forward without “winners and losers” and ill-will being developed. This process seems especially appropriate in associations where the folks at the table generally are “willing volunteers.”
As you point out, however, reaching true consensus requires trust, as well as an understanding of what reaching consensus means and requires. Do you have thoughts on how to help association boards elevate their trust levels?
Lee, thanks for the comment. Not sure I understand your point about the “straight up and down majority vote” because consensus is always the majority opinion, just not a unanimous one.
However, to answer your question about helping association boards elevate their level of trust – open and honest dialog with respectful disagreements and discussions and unanimous support (publicly) of the consensus result is the best way I know of to build trust at any Board level.