Kimberly:<br><br>Good question. I've been working with consensus models for a while now both in Open Space and with other methodologies and here is some of what I have learned. I think there are two uses o fthe word "consensus" in common parlance, and I can see both used in this little thread. One refers to what seems to be common and te other is a more formal decision making process that is inclusive and co-owned. I'll speak a little of both.<br>
<br>I would say it also depends how big the group is. For a smaller group of people (even as large as 20 or 30) the simplest process I use is having someone make a proposal to the centre, and having people show their preferences on it. Anyone indicating more clarity gets to ask a question and the group takes the responsibility for helping people get what they need.or getting clarity fromthe proposal.<br>
<br>For larger groups it's a lot more complicated. I think what is most important is that everyone understand what consensus is needed and why. In fact I think most of the times in large groups (bigger than 30) consensus is in fact a drawback. It inhibits the diversity and complexity that keeps the system open, living and creative. It is only really practical on issues of the highest order (does everyone agree that we are a part of this XXX organization?) and that kind of consensus gives a flase impression of alignment. <br>
<br>One the other hand, if you are looking for trends or large scale general shifts and patterns arising from an Open Space event any number of polling data will help to identify those things, incuding what Harrison and Jack have posted. In my experience the more you can turn that responsibility over to the group the more it is co-owned and reflective of the group's real intention. <br>
<br>As you design the event though, have these questions very much in mind at the outset. For me it is critical to notice up front that in planning any kind of meeting I am actually planning a harvest of the meeting. What is the point in planting seeds if you don't know what the harvest will be used for? This upfornt clarity should help you to choose a decision making method should it be important to have a decision that is alos a consensus.<br>
<br>I'd be interested in learning about what methods others use for consensus decision making in or following Open Space.<br><br>Chris<br><br><div class="gmail_quote">On Tue, Mar 4, 2008 at 5:50 AM, Jack Ricchiuto <<a href="mailto:jack@designinglife.com">jack@designinglife.com</a>> wrote:<br>
<blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex;">First, thanks to Harrison for your legacy of profound inspiration.<br><br>As for building consensus, two things have been important for me. On Day 1 asking people in groups to keep track and record all and any areas of agreement: Wrap up conversations with the question about what there is alignment on. This allows a natural flowing, then people can report on these the next day to build energy for consensus. The second thing is making sure people feel free to voice difference, disagreement, and dissent, saying that agreement is not a requirement to belong, but transparency that builds trust is essential to belong. For anyone who has dissent, we ask them to speak about what matters to them and who else aligns with that. This way, authentic consensus and participation becomes possible. Best of all, in a self-organizing system, many things can move forward nicely without everyone's agreement. In fact, the need for complete agreement on anything can be a conversation of postponement.<br>
<br>Best to you Kim!<br><br>Jack<div><div></div><div class="Wj3C7c"><br><br><div class="gmail_quote">On Mon, Mar 3, 2008 at 11:09 PM, Kimberley Willing <<a href="mailto:Kim.Willing@tassie.net.au" target="_blank">Kim.Willing@tassie.net.au</a>> wrote:<br>
<blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex;">
Does anyone have any experience or advice in 'converging' open space, in<br>
such a way that the emerging consensus of the whole group is identified?<br>
Specifically, I have a 2 day event coming up - the purpose of which is to<br>
develop a best practice framework for reporting on the topic, and at least<br>
to develop a check list of issues to be addressed in preparing such a<br>
reporting framework.<br>
<br>
Day 1 could be spent diverging (in Open Space) and I am wondering how best<br>
to converge on Day 2, given that one outcome mine host would like to see,<br>
is an articulation of the level of agreement of the whole group on certain<br>
matters.<br>
<br>
With thanks,<br>
<br>
Kim.<br>
<br>
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</blockquote></div><br><br clear="all"><br></div></div><font color="#888888">-- <br>Jack Ricchiuto<br><a href="http://www.DesigningLife.com" target="_blank">www.DesigningLife.com</a> / 216.373.7475 (EST)<br><br>Announcing "Conscious Becoming", now available in paperback - visit ConsciousBecoming.com
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</font></blockquote></div><br><br clear="all"><br>-- <br>CHRIS CORRIGAN<br>Facilitation - Training - Process Design<br>Open Space Technology<br><br>Weblog: <a href="http://www.chriscorrigan.com/parkinglot">http://www.chriscorrigan.com/parkinglot</a><br>
Site: <a href="http://www.chriscorrigan.com">http://www.chriscorrigan.com</a><br><br>Principal, Harvest Moon Consultants, Ltd.<br><a href="http://www.harvestmoonconsultants.com">http://www.harvestmoonconsultants.com</a>
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