[wpml_language_selector_widget]
Find Your Closest CEI Team

Back to Resources

Protocol Toolkit Item: 1c
>

GETTING CONSENSUS WITH THUMBS

Print Friendly and PDF

Purpose

Getting consensus differs from voting. Consensus decision-making has a greater chance of success than other types of decision making. In this protocol, all participants support, agree to, or can live with a decision.

Materials

None

Timeframe

1 Minutes

Preparation

This protocol can be used in any situation where a group needs to make a decision, and consensus is the desired outcome. Unlike voting, where some are perceived to “win” and others “lose,” getting consensus allows all group members to agree and support a decision. The Center for Collaborative Solutions describes the impact of getting consensus:
“Getting consensus on a decision ensures that all stakeholders have been heard and that each view is understood before a joint commitment is made to a solution. Therefore, ownership and support for the decision are more significant, leading to smoother implementation than might be expected using more traditional decision-making models such as a majority vote. Also, the quality of a consensus decision is usually greater because it was made with the increased knowledge and experience provided by the group. This is one reason why consensus decision-making is the preferred method of high-performing teams that strive to utilize each person’s talents, knowledge, and experience to the fullest.”
At any point in a meeting, a facilitator can use this method to reach agreement with the group. 

Instructions

Step 1:

 Introduce Protocol (3 minutes) Share the following information with participants:
  • We are now going to decide on the option before us.
  • Unlike voting, where some are perceived to “win” and others “lose,” getting consensus allows all group members to agree on a decision. It may take longer to reach a consensus when deciding, but the outcomes and support for the decision are better.
  • Participants will show their support for a decision by using their thumbs. You will pick one of three below:
    • A thumbs-up indicates full support for the option/decision.
    • A thumb sideways indicates that a participant might not love the option/decision but can live with it and get behind it.
    • A thumb down indicates that a participant desires to continue discussing the option/decision before agreeing. Note that a thumb down does not imply an unequivocal “No.” Instead, it allows participants to share their concerns and continue the conversation until everyone is comfortable agreeing to the option/decision.

Step 2:

Show Thumbs
  • The facilitator should restate the option/decision so that all participants clearly understand what they are asked to agree to.
  • Ask participants to show their thumbs and scan the room. If any participants show a thumbs down, continue the conversation by asking some of the questions below and encouraging further discussion.
    • Can those who showed a thumbs down share more about why they are not ready to support the option/decision? What is keeping you from a thumb sideways or thumb up?
    • What changes to our decision might make it one everyone can support? 
  • The most important thing is to continue discussing and developing an option/decision until all participants feel good about it and agree with it.
  • Continue to ask for a show of thumbs as revisions are made and until a consensus is reached, with all participants showing a thumb up or thumb sideways.
 

Resources & Further Reading

Examples of Use

Skip to content
The Community Engagement Initiative
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.