Decision Making Through Consensus

“A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.”

~Martin Luther King Jr.

I've had the pleasure since August to be a part of a community leadership program sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce in the city where I live.  I get to come into the class each month and present a 30 minute "leadership moment" that will hopefully give that community of leaders something they can apply to their work and their community leadership roles.

This past month, I presented some information about consensus building.  I use a lot of consensus building in my work because I think it is the best way to create a shared vision.  No matter what position people hold in an organization, they want to feel a part of something bigger than themselves.  Something they can believe in.

I've noticed in some circles consensus building is looked down upon because some may think it is inefficient and requires everyone sitting around a circle singing "Kumbaya".  Actually, the quote below paints a different picture of what consensus actually is...

Consensus does not necessarily imply that everyone is satisfied with the decision or that even most group members believe that the best decision has been reached.  A consensus is present when all team members have had the opportunity to voice their opinions and are comfortable enough with the decision to support its implementation (Rayner, 1996).

Using the standard of "comfortable enough with the decision to support its implementation" is different than "everyone agrees".  They key part of the definition above to me is that everyone has a chance to be heard.

To build in more consensus building into decision making processes, try these steps:

4 Guidelines for Reaching Consensus (Rayner, 1996)

1.      Clearly define the issue facing the team

2.      Focus on similarities between positions

3.      Ensure that there is adequate time for discussion

4.      Avoid conflict-reducing tendencies (like voting)

It takes some extra effort to build in these steps to decision making, but the benefits of getting everyone invested in a shared vision for the future makes it worth while!  Take the chance and see what a difference these steps can make!

Share your consensus building tips on the Renewing Leadership Facebook page and if you haven't already, like the page when you're there!

The Rayner stuff I quoted is from a great book called Leadership for a Better World

I highly recommend...