Guide the group towards consensus and decisionmaking from "summary" of The Secrets of Facilitation by Michael Wilkinson
To help a group reach consensus and make decisions, it is important to guide the discussion in a way that encourages participation from all members. This means creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas without fear of judgment or criticism. As the facilitator, your role is to keep the discussion focused and on track, while also allowing for different perspectives to be heard. One way to guide the group towards consensus is to set clear objectives for the meeting and establish ground rules for how the discussion will proceed. By outlining the goals of the meeting and the expected outcomes, you can help keep the group focused on the task at hand and prevent the conversation from veering off course. Ground rules can also help establish a sense of order and ensure that everyone has an opportunity to speak. As the discussion progresses, it is important to actively listen to what each member has to say and encourage them to elaborate on their ideas. This can help clarify any misunderstandings and ensure that everyone is on the same page. Additionally, using techniques such as summarizing key points and asking clarifying questions can help keep the conversation moving forward and prevent any one person from dominating the discussion. In order to reach consensus, it may be necessary to facilitate a process of negotiation and compromise among group members. This means helping the group identify common ground and areas of agreement, while also addressing any differences or conflicts that may arise. By encouraging open and honest communication, you can help the group work through any disagreements and come to a decision that everyone can support.- The goal of guiding the group towards consensus and decision-making is to ensure that everyone's voice is heard and that the group can move forward together in a productive and effective manner. By creating an inclusive and collaborative environment, you can help the group reach a consensus that reflects the collective wisdom and expertise of its members.
