Consensus: Tools and Tips
Tools
P&Pers use small group work during decision-making at The Forum 08
Image © Rich Lott
Generating Ideas
Brainstorm
Make sure everyone is clear about what the topic is. Someone writes down the ideas where everyone can see them as quickly as people can think of them.
- don’t critique ideas during the brainstorm
- don’t be afraid of silences - sometimes things falter and then get a second wind
- build an atmosphere in which it’s OK to think creatively
This can also be done in pairs, small groups or as a roving brainstorm - small groups move round the room to different pieces of paper to brainstorm on different topics.
Individual Reflection
Sometimes all it takes for new ideas to emerge is a little bit of clear thinking time. After some individual thinking time everyone feeds back their best ideas either through a Go Round or quickfire brainstorm. Writing ideas on post-its can also help - these can then be grouped or used to spark new ideas using a roving brainstorm.
Prioritisation Tools
Participants prioritise options by using a spectrum line at The Forum 08
Image © Rich Lott
Stickers and Dots
Give everyone a number of stickers or dots that they can put beside a list of options to show which ideas they consider best or most important. They could put all their stickers beside one option or spread over several options.
Ranking
Small groups rank their top three or so options and then feedback them back to the whole group. Options that are not ranked highly by any groups can then be discarded (checking with the proposers).
Pros and Cons
The benefits and drawbacks of each option are listed and then compared. This could be done as a whole group or in small groups.
Fist to Five
Go through options. For each idea group members stick up:
- 5 fingers for strong support and willingness to lead an option forward
- 4 fingers for strong support and a willingness to work on the option
- 3 fingers for minimal support but willingness to work on it
- 2 fingers for neutrality
- 1 finger for no support
- Fist for no support and active opposition
Tips
- Read the facilitation pages for lots of other tips and tools.
- The facilitator must be neutral so they don’t lose the trust of the group by influencing the outcome.
- Make sure everyone understands the topic/problem.
- Ensure that all members contribute their ideas and knowledge related to the subject and are open and honest about their opinions.
- Create shared ground rules stressing active listening, respect and trust for each other. Nobody must be afraid to express their ideas and opinions. Differences of opinion are natural, to be expected and can help the decision making process because of a wider range of ideas and information.
- Do not assume that someone must win and someone must lose when a discussion reaches a stalemate. Instead look for the most acceptable solution for all parties. However, members must also be flexible in order to reach an agreement in the end.
- Make time for participatory decision making. If consensus is reached too easily, be suspicious. People could be agreeing quickly because the meeting is running late or changing their mind to avoid conflict. Explore the reasons and be sure that everyone accepts the solution for similar or complementary reasons.
- Stress that people should think before they speak, listen before they object.
- Remember: the process of consensus is what you put into it as an individual and as a part of the group.
