Consensus Building

What is Consensus  A head count in a prison.

What is Consensus  General agreement or concord supported in unity.  A coming together of the sense of the group.

When & Why to use Consensus Building To Build:  Cooperation, collaboration and co-ownership  Commitment  Confidence for change

Attitudes of All Members  Trust the process to produce an acceptable solution.  Value acting in unity.  Treat discussion as property of the group.  Let go of personal preference.

Attitudes of All Members  Listen with respect.  Maintain self confidence and respect for yourself.  Stay open to new ideas.  Focus on the idea and not the source.  Value disagreement.

Practices for All Members  Prepare for the meeting.  Listen carefully & considerately.  Pause between speakers.  Think, then speak.  Be concise.  Let ideas grow.

Clerk or Convener  Encourages all to participate.  Manages conflict.  Seeks clarity and closure.  Tests for consensus.  States decision as written minute.

Clerk or Convener  Reminds group to find the best solution.  Does not push his/her personal viewpoint.  Sets agenda, meeting time, and place.  Keeps group focused.

Engaging Differences In Meeting  Active listening.  Reflective silence.  Dissenter may ‘stand aside.’  Issue is ‘laid down.’

Engaging Differences Outside Meeting  Discussion in small diverse groups  Threshing sessions  Meetings of small groups at different times

Rights of Use of This Material 4 Some trainers are very protective of their materials – they’re afraid that they’re giving away their business. I feel that freely distributing information like this is just good advertising for a trainer or consultant. So please use my material as you see fit; with the provision that you, in print, reference me. Please use the following information – in full: 4 William Ashton, Ph.D. 4 The City University of New York, York College 4 Department of Political Science and Psychology 4