Consensus Poisons Dynamic Choices
A camel is a horse designed by consensus.*
Consensus distills dynamic choices into uninteresting choices.
Consensus choices:
Consensus works when points are easy, deadlines don’t matter, everyone seems to be an professional, and belief is excessive.
The pursuit of unanimity assumes one of the best choices require concord. Consensus doesn’t produce one of the best resolution; it distills choices to the most secure possibility.
Advanced conditions have many options. Individuals aren’t considering when everybody agrees.
Disagreement is sweet:
A call requires choices. Aside from choices, it’s a alternative.
You haven’t discovered one of the best resolution when everybody agrees. You discovered the simplest resolution.
By no means make choices till there’s disagreement. Peter Drucker stated, “The first rule in decision-making is that one does not make a decision unless there is disagreement.”
Follow constructive disagreement. You’re an obstructionist if all you do is disagree. As a substitute of claiming, “I disagree,” say “I think it would be better if…”
What’s your optimistic suggestion? Don’t say, “No,” say, “Yes and.” As a substitute of, “That won’t work,” say, “What if we…”
5 risks of consensus decision-making:
#1. Consensus shields the detached.
Generally consensus means folks don’t care. They simply agree. Don’t count on excessive efficiency from indifference.
#2. Consensus protects the irresponsible.
It’s not my fault. All of us agreed. The timid disguise behind consensus.
#3. Consensus silences dissent.
Individuals normally agree with the boss. Group members keep away from being obstacles. Energy gamers subtly strain folks. Necessary views are unheard.
#4. Consensus empowers the unsuitable folks.
Group members with private agendas block progress beneath the guise of providing useful strategies. Tip: Empower the people who find themselves doing the work.
#5. Strain to agree results in helplessness.
“My voice doesn’t count anyway. Why bother?” If you don’t take heed to folks, they discover damaging methods to be heard. The one powers of weak spot embody disruption and foot-dragging.
What are the professionals and cons of consensus decision-making?
Right here’s a publish I wrote in 2014 in favor of consensus decision-making.
https://hbr.org/2020/09/7-strategies-for-better-group-decision-making
*Tailored from the nameless quote, “A camel is a horse designed by a committee.”
