A short meditation is held, often with members holding hands, sitting in a circle. Generally, a clear consensus emerges from this - the puzzle pieces all fit together well and create the whole picture. The decision is obvious to all. If not, it may not be the right time to make the decision as other factors need to come into the picture first. Or perhaps one or more people in the group haven't really released their personal opinions and don't feel very clear about the issue from a higher level.
Many communities work on equalizing the status of members, and blurring role distinctions.
Group consensus is one of the most popular modes of decision-making in communities. Consensus means agreement by the whole group with the general direction of a decision, with no serious objections. Consensus is experienced intuitively as a sensed unity within the group on a specific issue. There is no minority that feels resentment. The best thinking of all members is included in the decision.