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Group Consensus

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Group Consensus Tool

This tool helps leaders reach group consensus. It gives the leader an easy way to gauge the level of support for a particular option or proposal, thus paving the way for consensus.

How the Tool Works

The test of consensus is that everyone in a group has had a chance to express their views on a given issue, and that the vast majority of the group solidly supports a specific option. In addition, those who do not support the option have said they’re willing to stand aside and support the will of the group.

Here’s how this tool works: After defining the proposal on the table, the leader asks each person to state aloud his or her position using the scale below. For example, if you are solidly in favor, you say: “I’m a 1.” If you’re able to live with the proposal, you say, “I’m a 2.” As people declare their positions, the leader should record them on a flip chart.

Once you hear where people stand, the leader can then go back and probe the areas of resistance. For example, you can say: “Let’s go back and find out why the 3s feel the way they do.”

If you need a more detailed understanding of people’s views, the chart below may come in handy. Its five-point scale can be useful for groups that require more options before reaching a decision.

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