How Talented Are You at Achieving Consensus?

Issue 183, October 24, 2024

One of the major sticking points in organizational (even family) decision-making is the pursuit of a shared goal in building consensus while recognizing the diversity of opinions, thoughts and expertise of those involved.

But first, for the record, consensus is a general agreement about something, either an idea or opinion that is shared by all the people in a group (Brittanica). And add to that, the result of consensus is a decision that is intended to factor in everyone’s opinions and perspectives.

For many leaders, however, majority rule is the guiding decision-making principle, so they aren’t disintermediated by a group decision. But to be impartial and fair, consensus is a better approach and also avoids any blowback later from anyone who wasn’t 100 percent in agreement.

That said, in practice, consensus is often based on compromise resulting from negotiation, backing down, exerting personal power and how cultural norms form the foundation and consideratio…