Consensus: Basic process
Example Consensus Process
1. We want to launch Go Green Week with a high-profile action. What should we do?
2. Go Green is in a month. We have support from our SU.
3. Ideas brainstormed include: a stall outside the Union on the first day; a balloon launch; chalking on the pavements on campus; street theatre outside the Union.
4. Discuss and prioritise all of the options using card ranking (e.g. writing the options on cards and arranging them so they show which is the best or has the most support) to draw out the top two preferred option.
5. The two favourite options are chalking on the pavements on campus, or street theatre with a stall outside the Union because the balloon launch will have a bad environmental impact.
6. Do a pros and cons analysis for each option. Street theatre with a stall outside the Union is the favourable option because the group is unsure about the legal implications of chalking.
7. The proposal is to do some street theatre with a stall outside the Union.
8. Test for consensus using handsignals.
9. Everyone is happy with the option, discuss how to plan the action.
1. Define the problem or decision to be made
If this isn’t shared you will immediately have difficulties. Allow space for questions and clarification of the situation.
2. Share knowledge
Gather and share all relevant information.
3. Brainstorm solutions and ideas
Write them all down, even ones that appear crazy. Keep energy up for a quick-fire brainstorm and allow enough time to go beyond normal or safe ideas. Incorporate all ideas and views.
4. Discuss the options
Prioritise, amend and clarify the ideas. Watch out for clearly emerging favourites.
5. State the prioritised proposal(s)
Make sure everyone is clear about the options. It may be useful to write them down.
6. Debate and discuss
Discuss the final idea(s), share opinions, clarify all the information needed and make sure all voices and ideas are heard as the group moves towards a decision. You could discuss each proposal in turn or use methods to compare them. This period may last a very short, or a long time, but you should always have a clear goal of heading towards one clear proposal for action. The facilitator should be looking out for signs of group agreement.
7. Restate the final proposal
You may find there is a very different proposal that will bring everyone’s opinions together or that an original proposal can be modified or amended to make it stronger.
8. Test for consensus
- who agrees with the proposal;
- who doesn’t agree with the proposal;
- are there are any major objections (sometimes called blocking, only used where someone feels the proposal goes against the principals of the group).
9. Consensus OR Major Objections
Everyone agrees or some minor objections. See if any minor objections can be acknowledged or incorporated into the decision. If yes - you have consensus! Work out how to implement the decision the group has made.
Major Objections - discuss in your group how to take things forward. You could:
- See if any objectors are willing to stand aside. They are willing for the group to go forward with the decision but personally they cannot/do not want to be involved. If a lot of people stand aside, it may indicate that there is no real support for the proposal.
- Uphold the objections and discuss new proposals (i.e. return to STEP 3 or 6)
- Have a break and leave it for another time after everyone has had time to reflect. You could ask someone from outside the group to facilitate the discussion.
- Use a different way of deciding, e.g. random choice or voting.
