Ask These 4 Questions to Gain Consensus During Meetings

Sometimes, a meeting leader/facilitator/chair must recognize that the best way forward for the team is to gain consensus on an action item. Gaining consensus as opposed to majority voting lessens the prospect of in fighting between those who publically agree with an item and those who disagree.  Consensus is not necessarily a quicker or easier route to take. Instead, consensus is the best route to establish and perpetuate team buy-in and overall commitment levels. It also alleviates the stress that arises when team members are individually singled out when their ideas don’t work.  When the team makes decisions as a whole they accept responsibility as a whole, and will be more inclined to find future solutions as a whole.

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