Decision Making
Majority Decision Making (Voting) vs. Consensus
Majority Decision Making (Voting)
Voting is useful when there is a diverse, large group of people involved in a process and moving forward is more important than settlement of an issue. In order to be well received, there should be ample time for discussion prior to a vote, and the discussion should include a fairly comprehensive evaluation of the options.
Voting is disadvantageous in that the outcome necessarily has "winners" and "losers." Thus, the concerns of those who are voted down may not be adequately addressed. Likewise, they may not be as committed to supporting the outcome of the vote. If the concerns of the "no" voters are not adequately addressed, moving forward may be difficult.
Consensus
Consensus is the cooperative development of a decision that is acceptable enough so that all members of the group agree to support the decision. Each and every person involved in decision making therefore has veto power. If a team member objects, it behooves the others to find out why and give considerable thought to the concerns expressed by the dissenting member.
Consensus does not imply absence of conflict. It does mean, however, there is a commitment of time and energy to work through the conflict.