Systemic Consensus / Systemic Consensing
Systemic Consensus / Systemic Consensing is a form of decision making that aims at determining the one proposal with the least objections and resistances within a group (instead of the highest acceptance).
Level of participation
Ideation
Co-Decision
Duration of participation process
Preparation: ½ day – 3 months for set up and invitation
Implementation: ½- 4 hours
Follow-up: ½-1 month for tracking results, if applicable
Target group size
<15 people
15-30 people
Costs
$
Resources for a short workshop
Human resources needed
The method: what is it, when to use it and what outcome to expect
Systemic Consensus determines an option out of multiple ones that comes closes to a consensus by finding that one option which is least objected by a group. Participants are neither asked for a majority vote and nor for approval, agreement or preference but only about their level of resistance for different options. It strives for a solution that is supported by the whole group.
This method can be used for any decision-finding process, esp. for those that have potential for strong discussions or exhaustive process.
Systemic Consensus helps to minimize or even avoid conflict, frustration, dissatisfaction and individuals dominating in decision-taking, fosters constructive and cooperative behavior during and after the process and benefits from the involvement of the voices of reserved or silent participants.
The process: how to conduct it in an in-person setting or online using a PC/laptop with video option
The method follows four steps:
1. Defining a question: A group develops a question they want a decision on. It needs to be written in a way so it can’t be answered with a simple yes or no.
2. Collecting ideas: Participants create solutions and proposals to the question without being commented on or discussed about, using brainstorming, card query, scribbling or other techniques free of choice.
3. Evaluation: Each participant evaluates every solution or proposal on a scale from 0 to 10, representing their individual level of objection: Zero points equal `No resistance’ or ‘I support this proposal’; ten points equal ‘Full resistance’ or ‘I cannot support this proposal at all’. All evaluations are collected into a matrix. Repeat in case of a draw.
4. Analysis: All points are counted up for each solution or proposal. The one with the lowest points is closest to consensus and should be followed up with.
Blended participation
Digital communication
Good to know
- The solutions or proposals that are to be evaluated are generated by the participants themselves
- Any solutions and proposals are welcomed, and each is handled equally, striving for diversity
- A test run with a voting on an example question before the actual question may help participants to vote with more ease in the actual process
- It should be decided upfront whether anonymous voting is desired
- Helpful evaluation tools:
– Online tools: https://www.acceptify.at/de/matrix
– Consensing cards
- Read further:
https://openpracticelibrary.com/practice/systemic-consensing/