Blog #8

Consensus is a relatively new decision making tool. Individual power has been the force leading many groups and organizations, but it is becoming clear the there is a need for consensus decision making.  Consensus decisions honors all sides of present opinions. It takes into consideration everyone’s ideas and feelings.  Everyone gets to be a part of the decision making. It is necessary to have a facilitator to help move the decision making process along, and help everyone see the common answer that begins to emerge. A weakness to this process can be that it can often take a long time to reach a consensus. Some subjects can be extremely difficult for people to negotiate on. In these instances, reaching a consensus can prove to be very challenging. The strengths are self-evident. No one feels completely alienated or like his or her opinion is invalid. The consensus process allows a group of people help draw out a common opinion that most probably did not even know existed. This process can be used in as small of an environment as household and extend all the way up to a corporate business meeting.  Consensus decision making is a sure to encompass everyone’s opinions.