A Lean Journey
Effective
coordination requires the ability of individuals and groups to successfully
collaborate. The strength of a meeting lies in the diverse input of its
attendees. This diversity can also lead to problems if the group can’t come to
a consensus and make decisions, large or small.
coordination requires the ability of individuals and groups to successfully
collaborate. The strength of a meeting lies in the diverse input of its
attendees. This diversity can also lead to problems if the group can’t come to
a consensus and make decisions, large or small.
Consensus
means “general agreement” and having that as a goal encourages and focuses the
participants. It also creates equity and ownership in whatever decision is made.
means “general agreement” and having that as a goal encourages and focuses the
participants. It also creates equity and ownership in whatever decision is made.
The Challenge
Building
consensus is often a bumpy ride. It involves:
consensus is often a bumpy ride. It involves:
- Investing time to make sure each
participant’s voice is heard. - Collaboration, in which each
person reviews his or her position in light of other ideas expressed.
Tips for Building
Consensus
Consensus
These
tips list the components of the meeting climate and structure that need to be
in place to build consensus:
tips list the components of the meeting climate and structure that need to be
in place to build consensus:
- Establish and revisit evaluative
criteria. - Give adequate time to work
through the issues. - Consider conflict inevitable on
the way to consensus. - Expect and encourage negotiation
and collaboration between meeting attendees to move towards consensus. - Emphasize fact over opinion.
- Use structured decision-making
tools. - Recognize that giving in on a
point is not losing ground; gaining on an issue is not winning. - Encourage attendees not to give
in just to avoid conflict. - Let it be known that flipping
coins and voting are not viable alternatives to sharing information, debating
points, providing data, and exploring other alternatives.
Success
Success
can be difficult to judge. You’ve reached consensus when meeting participants
can answer, “yes” to these questions:
can be difficult to judge. You’ve reached consensus when meeting participants
can answer, “yes” to these questions:
- Will you agree this is the next
step? - Can you live with this position?
- Are you comfortable with this
course of action? - Can you support this alternative?
Consensus
building is a decision-making process that is vital to any improvement effort
or other process requiring participation. True consensus, where everyone agrees with
each decision, is powerful and fulfilling. When everyone truly agrees on the
actions or decisions of a group, everyone will be more committed to the course
of action taken, and people will be more motivated. When consensus exists,
people tend to feel very positively about a group and tend to get a lot of work
done.
building is a decision-making process that is vital to any improvement effort
or other process requiring participation. True consensus, where everyone agrees with
each decision, is powerful and fulfilling. When everyone truly agrees on the
actions or decisions of a group, everyone will be more committed to the course
of action taken, and people will be more motivated. When consensus exists,
people tend to feel very positively about a group and tend to get a lot of work
done.
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