Here are some keys to follow in helping your association implement a successful consensus-based decision making process:
1) Clearly define up front for your Board or Committee the consensus decision-making process.
2. Lay out the challenge or issue that needs to be addressed and relate it to the common goal of your organization.
3. Establish the values of trust and openness.
4. Don’t allow one opinion to dominate discussion.
5. Get everyone to participate.
6. Effective facilitation.
7. Find common ground and build on it.