Becoming a Better Boss Secret 6: Consensus
Consensus defined – everyone agrees to support a team decision.
Consensus does not mean everyone agrees with a particular decision. That will rarely happen. It means they agree that of all options, the decision made is the best choice.
Our goal is for everyone to leave a meeting and openly, willingly, and publicly support the decision made. To achieve that goal, the team leader will need to “test” consensus. The reason to test consensus is to ensure that everyone present has the chance to express their opinion and ask their questions. Each person must have the opportunity to influence the decision of the group.
Some leaders “test” consensus by asking the standard question: “Does everyone agree?” That question usually gets head nods – or indifferent stares. To leave the meeting with a true consensus, that is not enough. If that is as far as you go to get consensus, you run the risk of having at least one person who does not agree or support the decision which will very possibly lead to gossip, disengagement, or even sabotage. How can we expect to succeed if every single team member isn’t “all in” on decisions made?
The process steps for testing consensus include:
1. Identify All Options
- First, list all options. If possible, start with brainstorming so that everyone can get ideas out there.
- Record all ideas so that people can see them “on paper.” (Use a flip chart, a white board, PowerPoint, or similar tool to list the ideas as they are shared.)
2. Build on Common Ideas
- The work of brainstorming together allows your team to build on ideas as they arise.
- Continue to explore until the group feels they have a complete list of ideas and options.
3. Propose Alternatives or Compromises
- Now it’s time to narrow the list and look at possible alternatives.
- Consider researching best ways to help participants vote anonymously on top choices. (Tip: Nominal Group Technique is a great method for group decision making.)
4. Discuss Differences
- Now that the list of ideas has been shortened, allow participants to discuss the options.
- Try going down your list and having participants shout out pros and cons of each idea.
5. Identify Best Choices
- Identify the best choices and work with the group to narrow your list to the top two or three.
- If necessary, do another round of anonymous voting to narrow the list even more and to ultimately identify the number one choice.
6. Test Consensus
- The final step is to ask each participant in turn, “Will you support this decision?” It is important to ask one person at a time.
- Watch their non-verbal response as you listen for the verbal response. If there is any doubt in their response, stop and ask what’s bothering them.
- Each person needs a chance to weigh in. Remember, they can’t buy in unless they have the opportunity to weigh in!
“It’s as simple as this. When people don’t unload their opinions and feel like they’ve been listened to, they won’t really get on board.” – Patrick Lencioni