Voting
(& Roberts Rules of Order)

Consensus
(Consent Process, Circle Process, etc.)

Choice-creating*
(and Dynamic Facilitation)

What is it?

Here’s a fast way for a group to decide an issue and move on. A proposal is made. People talk about it and vote “yes” or “no.” The votes are tallied, allowing a majority to decide whether or not to accept the proposal.

Here we seek an answer everyone can support. A popular proposal is determined and adapted to fit the needs of each person. Shared values and skills of participants are important.

We seek to co-create a solution that all support.  People talk about an issue while the DF’er helps people think creatively and collaboratively. Shifts in thinking lead to a moment when all “co-sense” group unity.

Strengths

Offers order and predictability; decisions are reached quickly; can be used anywhere; demystifies the decision-making process

Decisions are characterized by thoughtfulness and caring; builds the spirit of community

Deals with big issues; Works well with diverse, emotional or unskilled people. Generates win/win answers and builds the spirit of “we.”

Weaknesses

The dominance of procedure can deaden meetings; majority rule is adversarial; a disaffected minority can be created; people can use the rules as an obstacle to progress

The focus on community and shared values limits the use of this process; it can take a long time, with frustration multiplying; it can lead to groupthink and reduced energy. (e.g. raising trivial concerns)

Quiet people may get less of a chance to talk; it’s more difficult for participants to appreciate progress; Dynamic Facilitation skills are needed; doesn’t work well for representatives

The facilitator or moderator

Moderator knows the procedures. This requires knowledge but not lots of training

Facilitator has broad, loosely defined powers. Skills of participants can compensate for a less than skilled facilitator

Is skilled in Dynamic Facilitation so each contribution is accessible to the whole

Ideal participants

Are rational, articulate and knowledgeable about the content and the procedures

Are cooperative and diplomatically speak their piece of the truth. They adjust their personal views for the good of the group

Are authentic in expressing what they think or feel from the heart. They need not be skilled in or know the process

Proposals

Proposals dominate the discussion … are considered one at a time

Proposals are discussed as they arise

Are recorded as possible solutions but do not determine the flow of conversation

What is relevant?

Does it follow the rules … or not?

Is it consistent with the group-approved agenda?

Relevance is discovered later

Conflict and Feelings

Not addressed …may be declared out of order

Often pursued as a goal in itself

Welcomed … reframed into concerns or a shared challenge

Fixed ideas

It is a competition of fixed ideas to see whose will prevail

People try to suppress their fixed ideas for the sake of the group

Welcomed … but in the process people often let go of them

Disagreement

Can be openly expressed if it conforms to the agenda

Disagreements often dominate until they disappear through exploration

Welcomed … but the DF’er transforms agree/disagree mode into creative exploration

Role of the individual

Individual voices and well-being are not important

Genuine care for the feelings of each person is in the final decision

Individual authenticity is essential to assuring a creative group result

Community requirements

Can function in the absence of community … which may, in fact, undermine this process

Requires a high level of community spirit and commitment

Generates community spirit but doesn’t require it as a precondition

Rules or guidelines

Awareness of the rules allows one to gain over others

Few guidelines … but adherence to them helps everyone to better results

Guidelines are not used … self-censoring can limit the creative possibilities

Model of change

The “Wisdom of the Crowd” … the sum of independent judgments is best.

Trust in dialogue and the spirit, wisdom, skills and self-control of the people in the community.

Trust in authenticity, creativity and self-reflection, plus the ability of the DF’er to assure this quality of thinking.

Success is when

…

Workable decisions are made in a timely, orderly manner

Decisions have staying power because the clarifications and deliberations were so thorough, wise and inclusive

Shifts of understanding and community lead to new shared meanings and choices that all support