Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantage of formal consensus over more traditional decision-making practices is that it diminishes the competitive dynamic which is integral to all majority rule systems. Formal consensus emphasizes universal participation through inclusive, open, and transparent procedures which encourage cooperative resolution to conflicts, rather than aggressive competition to achieve the highest number of votes.

The predictable and consistent structure which formal consensus provides allows for easier participation, even from those participants who would otherwise feel marginalized or disempowered.

Additionally, the consensus decision making process implies that once a proposal is accepted, it has been modified to suit the needs of all members of an organization. By default, any proposal which is accepted has the support of the entire organization, and any dissent is already public knowledge. This type of decision making process allows for the most direct, efficient implementation of any given proposal.

A disadvantage to the formal consensus model is that participation requires a deep, common understanding of the underlying agreements which form the structure and process through which decisions are made. On account of this need, it may be difficult for new people to enter an existing organization and participate to their full capacity.

Introduction

When a proposal or issue is raised, it should be submitted to the group, and sufficient time should be given for all participants to familiarize themselves with the proposal. The process by which the proposal / issue originated should be clarified, and any clarifying questions should be addressed.

First level of discussion

Once the proposal is understood by all participants, a broad discussion of the overall merits and drawbacks of the proposal should take place. None of the conflicts or concerns that are raised at this phase are directly addressed, and no questions are directly resolved. Instead, all comments are noted, and the discussion is made to move forward without dwelling on particular concerns. Some proposals can be accepted or rejected at this stage. It is appropriate to call for consensus here.

Second level of discussion

Specific concerns and conflicts which came from the general discussion of the proposal are identified. No attempt is made to resolve these concerns, but instead, all of the specific conflicts and concerns which require discussion are identified and formulated into specific points.

Third level of discussion

The specific conflicts identified in the second level are discussed, one at a time. Each concern is discussed until a resolution is achieved.

There are alternative means of resolving a discussion which cannot achieve consensus, which include sending the proposal to a committee, or conducting a super-majority vote.

Agenda planners

Prior to any meeting, an agenda planning meeting should first be conducted by a small group of agenda planners. The tasks which agenda planners must carry out include collecting agenda items, arranging items into a comprehensive agenda, assigning presenters for each topic, determining the discussion techniques to be employed, assigning time limits to each topic, and finally drafting a written version of the finalized agenda. Decisions on each of these tasks should be achieved through consensus.

Facilitator

A facilitator is an individual responsible for ensuring that a meeting flows smoothly, and that discussion is facile. The facilitator is responsible for moving through the agenda in the time determined by the agenda planners. In being responsible for this, the facilitator must guide the process of the discussion and suggest techniques for resolving conflicts which arise. However, the facilitator is only responsible for providing direction on the process of the meeting, and should not participate in the content of the discussions.

Timekeeper

This is the individual responsible for assisting the facilitator in maintaining the pre-determined time limitations for each discussion.

Public scribe

The scribe also assists the facilitator, by putting major discussion points or concerns immediately relevant to the topic at hand in writing for the entire group to see. This role is helpful in allowing the group to visually keep track of points that have been raised.

Note Taker

This individual is responsible for developing and distributing a detailed written record of any given meeting. These notes are useful in allowing absent members to maintain their participation in ongoing discussions, as well as for future reference.

Doorkeeper

The doorkeeper is responsible for informing all participants who enter a meeting of all pertinent information, distributing relevant literature (agenda, etc.), and briefly informing latecomers of what topics have been covered.