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Protocol Toolkit Item: 1c
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GETTING CONSENSUS WITH THUMBS

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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 โ€œwinโ€ and others โ€œlose,โ€ getting consensus allows all group members to agree and support a decision. The Center for Collaborative Solutions describes the impact of getting consensus:
โ€œGetting 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.โ€
At any point in a meeting, a facilitator can use this method to reach agreement with the group.ย 

Instructions

Step 1:

ย 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 โ€œwinโ€ and others โ€œlose,โ€ 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 โ€œNo.โ€ 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?ย 
  • 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

The Community Engagement Initiative
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