Guidelines For Consensus, Decisionmaking, and Problem Solving

THIS DOCUMENT WAS PRODUCED BY THE NEW ENGLAND REGIONAL LEADERSHIP
PROGRAM.  IT IS POSTED BY THE CENTER FOR RURAL STUDIES FOR PUBLIC
USE.  THE CENTER FOR RURAL STUDIES ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR
THE CONTENTS.  FOR MORE INFORMATION, REFER TO THE USERS GUIDE.


  GUIDELINES FOR CONSENSUS, DECISIONMAKING, AND PROBLEM SOLVING


1. Modify the problem-solving/decisionmaking model to fit your own
group, its needs, and the type or importance of the decision being
made.  Reserve the full process for complex and important issues
and don't overburden members by breaking into subgroups to decide
if wine or beer should be served at a banquet.

2. Think about using committees to gather and present the relevant
information for a particular decision--it saves time.

3. Attempt to satisfy objections.  In this process, there is a
great deal of power invested in every member.  That power must be
used sparingly and in a responsible manner.  Members should only
use their blocking power for "serious, principled objection."  It's
better to find ways to satisfy objections than to block consensus.

4. Beware of the time pressures--plan ahead for enough time to
develop consensus on vital decisions.  Be willing to extend the
time or postpone a decision until the next meeting.

5. Be aware of members who have difficulty expressing their ideas,
and have facilitators help out.  Especially be aware of members
with linguistic and cultural differences and support them.

6. Always be looking for the common ground where members can begin
to agree on something and work from there.

7. Don't take the attitude that a meeting is a competitive event
where someone has to win and someone has to lose.  When a stalemate
occurs, look for the next most acceptable alternative and work from
there.

8. Avoid arguing for your point of view.  Present your views
clearly and logically and then listen to what others have to say.

9. Don't resort to conflict reducers, such as bargaining, majority
votes or flipping a coin.  Work it out.

10. Don't be afraid of differences.  It's natural for people to
disagree and have differing points of view.  In fact, try to
encourage all sides of an issue to be expressed.  The more
information and input, the better the decision.

11. Don't change your mind or withdraw an objection simply to stay
away from conflict.  Beware of group conformity and the pressures
for agreement and harmony.  Watch out for an important decision
that comes too easily--be sure everyone understands the implication
of the decision in the same way.

12. Irreconcilable differences can be worked out if people talk
freely and honestly and try to listen and understand all sides,
including their own.

• Lois M. Frey, UVM Extension, RR #4, Box 2298, Montpelier, VT 05602, (802) 223-2389, email: lfrey@sover.net
• "Group Development: Creating Group Effectiveness" by Duane Dale, DFD Associates, 99 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA 02138-3402 (moving to 764 South East Street, Amherst, MA 01022 after 8/1/98);
• Bob Biagi, 142 Cherry Lane, Amherst, MA 01002 (413) 549-1412;

Comments to: crs@uvm.edu
Reviewed as of 4/20/98