Consensus

April 22, 2010 — An online dictionary definition of "consensus" results in the following: (1) majority of opinion, and (2) general agreement or concord; harmony. How often have you been involved in an organization or committee or business where decisions were to be made by "consensus?" I have found that everyone I have been associated with that is the case except those where it is explicitly dictated that such things as Robert's Rules of Order or Demeter's Manual of Parliamentary Law and Procedure are to be followed.

All to often I find that the word "consensus" is used for convenience sake especially in what many profess to be a "teaming" environment. It looks good to say that "the team" reaches decisions by consensus. It makes one feel good doesn't it? Balderdash! In my opinion it makes for endless debate and rehashing of an issue over and over ad nauseam. A team has to have a leader...right? Every team I have been a part of that has been the case. Is it not reasonable then that the team leader sets an appropriate time limit for debate and the reaching of consensus. The answer is Yes and Yes again! Is it not reasonable that the leader steps up to the plate and having heard all the arguments...oops I meant discussions...makes a decision? Yes it is! If that leader then wants to say that the decision was reached by consensus then so be it. However, it is the facts that should dictate the decision...not consensus. Let's remember that consensus can be defined as a majority of OPINION. Opinions...including mine...can be dead wrong and a persuasive speaker can lead a team/group down the wrong path or just ignore the opinion of others.

It is my military background and my general distaste for meetings that has led me to this blog topic. I am all for being a part of a team, but being a part of one that is dynamic and moving forward in a timely manner. Consensus often gets in the way of that movement. Let's make a decision and get on down the road...it's what really matters!