Quick systemic consensus is a decision making technique that aims to quickly identify quickly the most acceptable option for the group by identifying the option with the least resistance for group - preferably none at all. It is designed for meetings, where peoples time is at a premium; Less urgent decisions can be done online or at a separate, specific meeting. This 4-minute-reading and attention is precious. This mini-guide aims to provide you the basics on how with enough understanding to participate in a meeting where quick syscon is in use.
Voicing a proposal
If during the a meeting you have an idea a proposal that you'd like the group to adopt, clearly state it beginning with "I propose we ...". This signifies you have a complete idea that you think is a good idea. that you support. (If you're just looking for opinions, instead ask "What do you think about ...?")
Expressing resistance
If someone has made a proposal, you will be asked to express if you have any personal resistance towards it. This is simply done by silently raising one hand - you do not need to have a logical reason or even an alternative proposal to express resistance.
No resistance
If no one raises a hand to indicate resistance, someone will read it out and it , the proposal becomes the group decision.
Resistance → Quick syscon
If just even one hand is raised to indicate resistance, Quick Systemic consensus begins. Someone will start forming the ballot - a list of options to decide from. The original proposal will first be recorded, then the topic will then be summarized based on from that proposal and the two control options will be added:
- Passive solution: the decision to keep things as they are. This solution is often "It's not clear".
- Deepen process: the decision will be continued outside the meeting using a deeper process , - Online systemic consensus unless specified otherwise.
Next you will be asked if you have any further proposals to add. If you do, clearly state them. Please limit dialogue here to amending or removing your proposal(s), asking others to clarify their proposals if unclear, responding to requests for clarification on your proposal(s), providing concise information or stating a short, personal opinion - especially in particular, do not discuss proposals.
Once all proposals have been collected you will be asked to rate the proposals based on how much you resist them. Each proposal will be read out in turn and you will be asked to rate after each - this is done silently using your hands:
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The option with least cumulative resistance (based on the numerical values) becomes the group decision. If there is a tie, the tied options will be read out and rated again based on enthusiasm (raised hands meaning 'I like it!')
Back to meeting
The decision will be announced and Someone will announce the decision that has been made, then the meeting will continue where it left off.
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