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Always Think of Consensus as Win-Win, Not Compromise. In a decision-making situation, win-win indicates the development of a solution that does not dilute any strong convictions or essential needs of individual group members.
Determine in Advance the Fallback Decision Option if Consensus Cannot Be Reached. Most decisions must be made by a deadline, and generating consensus does take time. Therefore, do not impose unrealistic time limits that doom the consensus effort before it begins.
At Key Decision Points, Combat the Illusion of Consensus by Explicitly Testing for It. The illusion of consensus is the most common trap to snare the unwary facilitate/leader. The trap comes in two forms the silence trap and the hubbub trap. The silence trap is when group members who are not fully committed to the course of action often hold back their comments because they assume that everyone else’s silence implies agreement or support, and they are reluctant to disrupt the “unity” of the group. The hubbub trap is when the majority masks the silence of the other two people, and the manager, reinforced by the chorus of supports, declares that she has a solid consensus.
Develop Share Values Regarding Consensus. In order to put the consensus decision-making process in proper perspective and enhance its effectiveness, all task-oriented groups, need to take some time to decide what consensus means to them and how consensus will operate within their group. Consensus cannot be a win-win process unless all members agree on what it means and how it functions within their group.
Stamp Out the Declaration “I Can Live with It.” Groups that routinely used and accepted the I-can-live-with-it pronouncement to signify support for a given proposal were observed to reach nominal consensus – consensus in name only.
Use the Consensus Option at Key Decision Points. Consensus should be used for major elements of a decision, not the many specifics (Kayser, 2011, p 99-111).
What are some leadership decisions you have made lately? Which of these priniciples did you use?
From: Kayser, T.A. (2011). Building team power: how to unleash the collaborative genius of teams for increased engagement, productivity, and results. (2nd edition). New York: McGraw-Hill.
Tags: Decision Making, leadership, Consensus, Solution, Develop, Values, Groups
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Want to be a better leader? Here's what it takes:
Maintain a Positive Attitude
Solution oriented. Action oriented. People oriented. Your enthusiasm begets success.
Embrace Change.
Change is certain. Followers tend to resist change. It is the mark of a leader to embrace change and take advantage of the opportunity it presents.
Deploy Courage.
Douglas MacArthur said, "Courage is just fear that holds out a little longer." Good advice. George Patton said, "I don't take counsel from my fears." Good advice. Leaders choose courage.
Take a Risk.
The biggest mistake is to never take one. Leaders are determined to win or try again.
Communicate.
Leaders set the example for open communication. Use your head. Say what you feel. Speak from the heart.
Listen.
Leaders listen to learn. Leaders listen to understand. Your team has needs - just listen. Your prospects and customers know their needs, and they know what's happening on the front lines of their business, and yours - just listen.
Delegate and Empower.
Leaders share responsibility. They don't dictate, they set examples for others to follow. Leaders encourage growth in others by challenging them to take new responsibility, encouraging them to succeed, and supporting them if they fail. Leaders understand that mistakes are lessons on the way to success.
Understand Others, Yourself, and Your Situation.
Leaders understand the importance of an inquisitive mind. A constant quest for knowledge brings greater understanding. Understand yourself first.
Commitment.
Commitment is the catalyst that makes all the other leadership qualities a reality. Daily re-dedication to commitment is the difference between leaders and would-be leaders (Gitomer, 2011, p. 68-69).
What are you doing to improve your leadership abilities?
From: Gitomer, J (2011). Jeffrey gitomer's little book of leadership: the 12.5 strengths of responsible, reliable, remarkable leaders that create results, rewards and resilience. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley and Sons.
Tags: leadership, Leader, Attitude, Positive, Change, Courage, Risks, Managme, Communicate, Communication, Listen, Delegate, Empower, Commitment
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•My problems are not unique to me, so there is no reason to be embarrassed or to dwell on where I am.
•Long-term success is not the result of one defining change,. It comes from developing the habit of embracing several small, simple truths of success.
•I begin growing when I accept the truth about my situation.
•No Matter What means that regardless of what is going on around me, I will accept responsibility and take control. There is always something that can be done and something that I can do.
•I have power over where I focus...that is a choice I make.
•I am in the driver's seat when it comes to my career and my life (Cottrell, p. 25).
What are some small steps you can do to create personal and organizational success?
From: Cottrell, D. (2013). Tuesday Morning Coaching. New York: McGraw-Hill.