Consensus

Introduction

At the Hive we strive to hear every voice while making decisions, and as a result have chosen to use consensus. To help this process along, we emphasize trusting one another while assuming best intent. We choose to put our needs before our desires when there are no easy choices. While the particular ways this plays out can differ depending on context, we have collectively made the commitment to find consensus through our communal values. We also recognize the ways that power dynamics are implicit in group settings and continually work on addressing them both as individuals and as a group. This includes knowing when to stand aside and recognize when others are more informed or impacted within a particular situation. Due to differing ways that people process information and come to decisions, consensus can be difficult during conflict. By choosing to focus on effective resolution and giving people the space and time needed to truly feel comfortable with making an informed choice, we believe we can practice it in a strong, healthy way even during the most challenging of times.

Conditions for Consensus

• Common goal

• Commitment to reaching consensus

• Trust and openness

• Sufficient time

• Clear process

• Active participation

• Good facilitation

Consensus Decision Process

Step 0: How we got here

In what situations do we start a consensus decision process?

• Choosing a new housemate or adding any new beings to the house

• Conflicts

  • If it seems like any two people can’t live together harmoniously, anyone can bring that to the group as an issue to discuss

  • If a regular discussion goes poorly and seems like it needs more structure

• Addressing a major disaster (ex pandemic, vengeful former housemates, earthquake, large scale emergency, etc)

• A housemate is disregarding agreements, and/or acting in bad faith and needs to be called into accountability

• Hive expansion or a big group undertaking

Step 1: Intro and clarification

• Before beginning this step, choose a facilitator

  • Facilitator helps to neutrally bring the conversation forward

  • Makes sure that all voices are heard

  • Keep the discussion organized, focused, on topic

  • Keep an eye on time

  • Everyone can help support with facilitator duties

  • Temperature checks as needed

  • Making sure everyone is ready before moving to a next step

• Share all of the information pertaining to the issue

• Remember to introduce the topic in a way that leaves options open

• This step is a great time for questions and for getting clarification

• Develop a shared sense of timeline. What decisions need to be made by when? How long do we think the process is going to take?

• Are there special circumstances that change our need around how many people actively agree on this topic?

• Focus on hearing from people who are familiar with the topic and/or have knowledge about the issue

Checklist before moving on: facilitator, information on topic, questions and clarification, timeline

Step 2: Explore the issue and look for ideas

• Identify the key concerns and fundamental needs, and objectives that ideas should address

  • Also get clear about wants/ preferences that are not needs

• Share ideas that relate to and take account of the key concerns and objectives

• Listen to all ideas

• Try to share ideas, not specific proposals

• Ensure everyone is participating

Checklist before moving on: List of key concerns, list of fundamental needs, list of objectives, list of ideas

Step 3: Look for proposals

• Facilitator summarizes the current situation

  • Where does it seem like there is common ground?

  • What unresolved differences remain?

  • Other people can/should contribute to the synthesis, especially if the facilitator missed anything

• Offer a proposal that address the key concerns, fundamental needs, and objectives

  • Proposals will likely be weaving multiple ideas from the last step together

  • Proposals will probably mean, some/ many/ most of the community members will need to accept something that isn’t their preference, otherwise we wouldn’t need the process

  • While developing proposals, ask questions to better distinguish between concerns, needs, and preferences

• Try to have a visual that helps the group focus on areas of agreement and disagreement

Checklist before moving on: synthesis/ summary, a proposal

Step 4: Discuss proposal

• Check to see if people have questions, amendments, or are voicing any concerns

  • At this stage it is very important to make sure everyone participates and has a chance to voice concerns

Step 5: Test for agreement

• Clearly state the proposal

• Check one final time questions or clarifications

• Ask if anyone has objections or reservations. People who have objections or reservations can express them in three ways

  • Block: A block means a strong objection to the proposal. A block means we may have overlooked something important earlier in the process. Blocks can happen for personal reasons or because a proposal doesn’t align with shared values. If blocks are happening often we may need to review the process and reexamine values. 

  • Stand aside: stand aside means the person does not feel that they can participate in implementing the proposal, but does not want to get in the way of the group moving forward

  • Declare a reservation: declaring a reservation means the person wants their concerns to be formally known but is also ok moving forward with the decision

• What to do if there are objections or reservations declared

  • If anyone blocks a proposal, the proposal stops.

  • If anyone stands aside check in to see if the person or people feel ok, will feel resentment. Ask them what they need to avoid that. Make a note to do a follow up check in with the person standing aside some time in the future. If there are more than two stand asides then the proposal needs to be reworked to get more people on board. 

  • If anyone declares a reservation check in to see if the person or people feel ok, will feel resentment. Ask them what they need to avoid that. If someone has a concern about a potential future outcome, come up with a plan in case that issue ends up happening.

• Check for active agreement. People show active agreement by doing a thumbs up

Checklist before moving on: a proposal that has been agreed on

Step 6: Implement the proposal

• Figure out any necessary logistics for implementing the proposal