Consensus Philosophy Guidelines |
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Process & Communication
Revised 10/11/06
Consensus is different from other kinds of decision making because it stresses the cooperative development of a decision with group members working together. Since the goal is group unity, rather than winning a majority of votes, every member is considered important and the group tries to listen to and respond to each person’s needs and opinions. Because of this process of incorporating all members’ wisdom, consensus can create better decisions.
A consensus decision has 3 essential ingredients:
Although reaching consensus can often take more time initially than other forms of decision making, the decisions will be much better implemented because all members own the decisions made and there will not be as much time required in the future to “fix” poorly implemented decisions.
Consensus does not mean that everyone must be completely satisfied with the final outcome. Rather, consensus means that everyone is at least able to say, “Whether I am in complete agreement or not, I feel heard, and the decision appears to be in the best interest of the community. Therefore, I will participate in its implementation.”
Consensus fosters important values and skills such as respect for others’ opinions, responsibility for the group, and cooperation that help build community and carry over into other activities.
Consensus Decision Making Requires:
Unity of Purpose
We are working together to make the best decisions possible for the good of the group, even when issues stir strong emotional responses within us. We trust that a wise decision or solution exists and that we will find it. We are guided by our shared beliefs which are described in our Vision and Values statement.
Cooperation
We share information and resources and provide mutual support and suggestions. We are all pulling to find a solution that best meets everyone’s needs. Our power to persuade will depend on truth, creativity, logic, respect, and love, and will not involve deception, coercion, or malice.
Mutual Trust
We feel free to openly contribute facts, ideas, opinions, conclusions, and feelings. This trust arises when we know that, despite differences, others will respect us, be fair with us, and care about our feelings.
Common Ownership of Ideas
A consensus decision is owned equally by all of us. Personal attachment to ideas hinders the process.
That Feelings are Valued
Feelings have wisdom also. If emotions are not addressed, the process suffers and good decisions cannot be made.
That Conflict is Valued
Argument and conflict do occur. In fact, conflict is an important element that can spur us to clearer thinking, better understanding, and greater creativity. Anyone who feels uncomfortable about a proposed solution must have the honesty and courage to speak up and take the risk of engaging in conflict until a solution emerges that they can support. See the Conflict Resolution Guidelines.
Equal Power
We strive to ensure that all of us have equal opportunity for participation, roles of authority, and access to information because consensus decision making requires a high level of involvement and responsibility from all participants. In fact, each of us needs to feel responsible for every meeting we attend.
Time & Process
In order to make good decisions and nurture our community, we respect the process and give it the time that it needs.
Willingness to Learn Skills
Consensus decision making requires skills such as communication, facilitation, and meeting participation that we may not have yet developed. In order to develop these skills, we are willing to work to learn them.
Revised 10/11/06
Consensus is different from other kinds of decision making because it stresses the cooperative development of a decision with group members working together. Since the goal is group unity, rather than winning a majority of votes, every member is considered important and the group tries to listen to and respond to each person’s needs and opinions. Because of this process of incorporating all members’ wisdom, consensus can create better decisions.
A consensus decision has 3 essential ingredients:
- It is made from the community’s perspective.
- Everyone feels heard.
- Everyone agrees to participate in its implementation.
Although reaching consensus can often take more time initially than other forms of decision making, the decisions will be much better implemented because all members own the decisions made and there will not be as much time required in the future to “fix” poorly implemented decisions.
Consensus does not mean that everyone must be completely satisfied with the final outcome. Rather, consensus means that everyone is at least able to say, “Whether I am in complete agreement or not, I feel heard, and the decision appears to be in the best interest of the community. Therefore, I will participate in its implementation.”
Consensus fosters important values and skills such as respect for others’ opinions, responsibility for the group, and cooperation that help build community and carry over into other activities.
Consensus Decision Making Requires:
Unity of Purpose
We are working together to make the best decisions possible for the good of the group, even when issues stir strong emotional responses within us. We trust that a wise decision or solution exists and that we will find it. We are guided by our shared beliefs which are described in our Vision and Values statement.
Cooperation
We share information and resources and provide mutual support and suggestions. We are all pulling to find a solution that best meets everyone’s needs. Our power to persuade will depend on truth, creativity, logic, respect, and love, and will not involve deception, coercion, or malice.
Mutual Trust
We feel free to openly contribute facts, ideas, opinions, conclusions, and feelings. This trust arises when we know that, despite differences, others will respect us, be fair with us, and care about our feelings.
Common Ownership of Ideas
A consensus decision is owned equally by all of us. Personal attachment to ideas hinders the process.
That Feelings are Valued
Feelings have wisdom also. If emotions are not addressed, the process suffers and good decisions cannot be made.
That Conflict is Valued
Argument and conflict do occur. In fact, conflict is an important element that can spur us to clearer thinking, better understanding, and greater creativity. Anyone who feels uncomfortable about a proposed solution must have the honesty and courage to speak up and take the risk of engaging in conflict until a solution emerges that they can support. See the Conflict Resolution Guidelines.
Equal Power
We strive to ensure that all of us have equal opportunity for participation, roles of authority, and access to information because consensus decision making requires a high level of involvement and responsibility from all participants. In fact, each of us needs to feel responsible for every meeting we attend.
Time & Process
In order to make good decisions and nurture our community, we respect the process and give it the time that it needs.
Willingness to Learn Skills
Consensus decision making requires skills such as communication, facilitation, and meeting participation that we may not have yet developed. In order to develop these skills, we are willing to work to learn them.