* Decisions
* Colleagues, project team or working partners
* Desire to try something new
How can we decide together without grueling consensus discussions or majority voting (for-against), where in the worst-case scenario just under half of the people can simply be outvoted? There is a decision-making principle that tries to involve everyone equally, while avoiding long discussions. This is the consensus.
The consensus principle comes from the model of sociocracy
What matters - as opposed to consensus - is the decision question: "Does anyone have a serious objection to this proposed decision?"
Consent is more about no one saying "no." (As opposed to consensus, where everyone is supposed to say "yes.") So it's not about finding the perfect decision, but rather finding a decision that everyone can live with, that is in the "OK zone." Or, in other words, a decision worth trying. ("Good enough for now, save enough to try.")
The person who wants to bring about a decision formulates the decision proposal and brings the issue to the table. Then comes the opportunity for everyone involved to ask clarifying questions. Then it's on to the consensus decision: "Does anyone have a serious objection to this proposal?" Someone who has a serious objection must argue why he or she disagrees. In this way, the objection also serves to improve the previous proposal. If no one has a serious objection, or the objections have been resolved, the proposal is accepted! The decision is made.
The consensus method promotes constructive counterarguments and alternative proposals. It is the argument that counts, not the majority or position. Everyone is equally involved.
If the decision then does not prove itself in practice, any:r can provide a serious objection and thus withdraw his consensus. Then the issue comes back to the decision.
There are now some companies/organizations that apply the consensus principle. Is your organization one of them?
Have fun cooking!
Anyone who has tried or modified the recipe, feel free to comment!
This recipe is from Kerstin Seeger