[Dialogue] Consensus--BS?

[Jim Baumbach]

Due to a different brain wiring than the more outspoken, extroverted 
types in the Order, I often found myself left completely out of the 
process.  When I was serious about participating in any discussions that 
involved decisions, it always took much effort to listen to what was 
being said and an even longer time to formulate my own thoughts about 
it.  When my thoughts started to clarify to a point that I felt I could 
intelligently express them, the group had moved well beyond them.  
Expressing these thoughts when others had gone onto other issues was 
commonly rejected by hearing "we've already discussed that, where have 
you been?"  After several years of frustration I reached a point where I 
decided if the decision was something I agreed with, I'd support it.  If 
not, I chucked it out of my way and moved on.

Consensus decision making takes time not only because of the diverse 
opinions around the table but also because there are those of us who 
need time to think over the model, etc. in order to formulate our 
responses.  In the fast paced life of the Order, time always seemed to 
too little, too late.  It felt as if so many consensed decisions were 
plopped on us with a take it or leave it attitude.

In addition to diversity of opinions, consensus building takes time for 
those who think fast and talk fast to wait for people who think slower 
and talk less.

Jim Baumbach

FacilitationFla at aol.com wrote:
>
>  I've used this in my facilitation classes for quite a few years; Gary 
> Forbes and I created the definition.  The other information I gathered 
> over the years.
>
>  
>
> *Consensus Definition: *
>
>  
>
> “Consensus is that everyone has participated in, understands, and is
>
> committed to supporting the group decision.”
>
>  
>
> /*A lasting agreement has 3 components:*/
>
>  
>
> *1.  Content Satisfaction*
>
> * *
>
> *          “I understand the decision; I can support the group decisio*n.”
>
>  
>
>           This is more powerful than the usual “I can live with the 
> decision”
>
>           It means that given the time we have to discuss and the
>
>           need to make a decision by a certain time/date,  this is the 
> best
>
>           decision we can make now as a group.
>
>           As in a wedding when people are asked to ‘speak now or
>
>           forever  hold their peace’. It is also a commitment not to
>
>           downgrade the decision after the meeting.
>
>  
>
> *2.  Procedural Satisfaction:*
>
> * *
>
> *        “I participated in the process.”*
>
> *          *I offered up my ideas and people listened to me; facilitation
>
>           processes were utilized to maximize participation.
>
> *3.   Psychological Satisfaction:*
>
> * *
>
> *          “I felt I was treated with respect during the process.”*
>
> *          * No one put me down; the facilitator protected me so that 
> my ideas
>
>           and explanation of my ideas were heard and considered seriously.
>
>  
>
>  
>
>  
> Cynthia N. Vance, M. A.
> Strategics International Inc.
> Miami, Florida Office: 305-378-1327
> Venice, Florida Office: 941-483-9165
> http://members.aol.com/facilitationfla
>
> Want to build your own facilitation skills?
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>
>
>
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