Calling Participants in Consensus
Not many people have had a lot of experience as participants in a consensus decision-making meeting. No worries. It can be learned and become familiar to you by looking over the following tips.
Considerations for Participants
Look over this list to learn more about successfully participating in your next business meeting.
- Prepare: Be sure to receive and read the Agenda of the meeting in advance. This is also true of any supporting document like proposals. Do not come to the meeting without adequately preparing for the session. Make a list of questions that you have about the material. What words do I not understand? Do I really understand what will happen if I support this proposal?
- Pray: Part of getting ready for the meeting is to pray for the Chair of the meeting as well s the other participants. Ask God’s guidance as you consider the proposal. Be open to the Spirit’s counsel.
- Be on Time: Arrive at the meeting 15 minutes in advance, get yourself settled and make positive caring connections with the other members. Play your part in building the community!
- Ask Good Questions. Make a list of respectful questions about the matter before the group. These questions should focus on the meaning of the words as well as who is impacted by the decision. Questions are not a chance to make a speech but a way to be faithful and open.
- Be a Team Player. Making good decisions is not a solo occupation – it is the work of the community gathered for that purpose. One way to be a good team player is to adjust your attitude. You’re all on the same side. Rather than lobbying against a proposal, ask yourself what it would need to contain to get your support. Be ready to voice it your concerns and ideas in a respectful manner – with a view to offering idea on how you can support the proposal.
- Use Your Cards. Participants should be given a blue and orange card. Blue means that cool to an idea, not ready to support the proposal yet, or that you have a question. Orange means that you are warm to an idea, or ready to support the proposal. Use your cards each time someone speaks so that the chair can read the wisdom in the room. This helps the meeting to progress smoothly.
- Practice Good Communication. Use “I” statements: “I feel…” or “I believe…” whenever possible. Take ownership of your perspective. When you make a mistake, own that as well. If helpful acknowledge that you have changed your mind or apologize.
- Work Towards the Greater Good. Rather than trying to get your own way or prevent something from happening, work for the good of the group. Making decisions is not about getting our own way, but of discerning God’s best hope for the group and community.
- Relax. Over time, the process will become familiar and take less time. Be patient.
Conclusion
Learning to make decisions by consensus is a noble endeavor. You can do it! In the long run, you will notice a greater ownership of ideas and the decisions. There will be an enhanced creativity to resolve issues. It will also be easier to put a matter to rest and implement the decision.
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