Consensus ValidationA Tool for Teams

GALA Leadership SymposiumOctober 11, 2013

Presenter: Mindy Taylor

Session Overview

Become familiar with a group process tool called Consensus Validation

Learn the steps in doing Consensus ValidationIdentify situations in which the use of

Consensus Validation is most appropriate

Introductions

• 60-seconds or less• Name• Role• Why you are here

Definition of Consensus

The process of reaching a conclusion, recommendation,

course of action or decision that all team members can support and that

NO team member opposes

Use of Consensus Decision-making

Deciding How To Decide Vroom Decision Model

Three Main Factors:• Decision Quality – how important is it to

come up with the "right" solution? • Commitment of Others - how important is it

that your team and others buy into the decision?

• Time Constraints – How much time do you have to make the decision?

So what’s the big deal?

Why do we need a special process to validate consensus?

Consensus ValidationOverview

• About WHAT and WHY• Not about WHO• Confirms when consensus exists• When consensus has not been achieved,

identifies areas that need further discussion• Quick to do

Example: GALA Board Strategic Planning

JAN 2012Initial Vision GALA of the Future

- Board- M & D

Put numbers to & sequence top priorities

Revise framework; reorganize potential objectives

Organize data;Create

framework

APRArticulation of “Critical Few”

Strategic Imperatives

SEPTInitial Prioritization of

Implementing Objectives

JAN 2013 - 2013 Operating Plan - 2013-15 Budget

Consensus ValidationProcess

1. Facilitator prepares in advance a list of questions which directly address the work that’s being done.

2. On a blank sheet of paper, have each team member respond to each question on a scale of agreement 1 (low) to 9 (high).

3. Collect all the papers, shuffle & redistribute.4. On flipchart, record all the responses in a matrix –

1-9 across the top; 1- (however many questions you have) down the left side

Reading the Matrix

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 clear consensus

concept generally acceptable, but 1 or 2 aspects need discussion

a problem with either idea or part of team

When Consensus Validation Fails

The group needs to take a side-step and determine the concerns which are present.• What issues might cause our team members

to rate their support for “x” low?• What aspects have we not considered

carefully enough?• (Other open-ended questions??)

Consensus ValidationRules

1. It’s personal – each person votes2. It’s anonymous3. Rule of Two* – at least two participants who

vote significantly different from the rest of the team to stop the process

4. Solicit reasons for WHAT and WHY – never ask WHO

5. Adjust the idea/plan as needed and do the consensus validation vote again.

Application Exercise

Decide on Change of Concert Apparel

1. Do you personally agree that the team conclusion is one which you can actively support & will not oppose?

2. Do you feel that all committee members will actively support & not oppose the decision?

3. Were your ideas heard & respected?4. Do you believe all members participated

effectively in the discussion and that their ideas were heard & respected?

Discussion

• What are current situations where you might use Consensus Validation?

• What issues do you imagine you might run up against?

• When would you NOT use this tool?

Closing Thoughts

• Consensus Validation is a quick and simple tool to aid group process and team development

• Written description of Consensus Validation will be available via the GALA website

THANK YOU for your participation

&Please take a few minutes to complete

the Session Evaluation