Available October 19, 2023

How to Make Consensus Decisions: Formal Steps and Key Conditions

Pre-order pricing until October 19, 2023

This course is for you if:

  • You are in a group that makes decisions by consensus and want to do better
  • You are starting a consensus-based group and want to avoid mistakes
  • You are exploring consensus as a way of governance for your group
  • You have been frustrated with consensus and want to learn how to do it right
  • You want to teach consensus decision making to others
  • You seek formal steps and structure for efficient and effective consensus process
  • You want to show credibility with a Certificate of Completion

What you will learn

  • How consensus is unique and has extraordinary benefits when you get it right
  • Key characteristics (including attitudes of participants) required for success
  • Specific formal steps for how to discuss, develop, and achieve consensus
  • How to handle concerns, conflicts, and formal blocks
  • How to facilitate consensus decision making; the four essential functions
  • How to structure meetings designed to achieve consensus
  • Where to go to for more information about consensus

What you will get

This course has 8 videos, a handout of 10 Key Characteristics of Consensus Decision Making, and a handout of Consensus Decision Making Steps. It also has extensive links to additional resources to help you make decisions by consensus.

PLUS, get Together We Decide

With the purchase of this course, you will also get Together We Decide, An Essential Guide for Making Good Group Decisions for 33% off. Get the Hardcover edition with free shipping, or the Kindle or Nook edition. Your choice.

Pre-order pricing until October 19, 2023

And, get certified

Get officially certified in How to Make Consensus Decisions and receive a Certificate of Completion which documents your investment and demonstrates your credibility to others.

Course Curriculum

Introduction and Definition

Craig’s credibility and experience with consensus

Why consensus gets a bad rap

The benefits of consensus when done right

A formal definition of “Consensus”

When to Use Consensus

All the ways groups can make decisions

When consensus is most appropriate, and when it’s not

Why consensus decisions are likely to endure

Key Characteristics of Consensus

Ten characteristics, each one explained

How consensus is unique and special

When consensus is not likely to work for your group

Steps to Make Consensus Decisions

Six specific steps, explained in detail with a companion handout

When a block is appropriate, and when it isn’t

Three ways to handle a block

Consensus Meetings

What distinguishes a consensus meeting from other meetings

The value of multiple meetings, and what should happen in each one

How to structure your meetings to achieve consensus

Consensus Facilitation

Unique attributes and skills for facilitating consensus decisions

How to serve the group as a whole in four essential ways

The importance of neutrality and how to demonstrate it

Closing and Resources

Encouragement for achieving the high standard of consensus

How each group needs to determine its own version of consensus process

Many links to additional resources for more learning and tools

Pre-order pricing until October 19, 2023

Start learning all about Consensus Decision Making today!