Consensus Processes

Why: Life can be complicated.  People and organizations often find themselves in situations where their interests seem to bump up against those of others.  It can be difficult to imagine in these situations how everyone involved can work together to sort the situation out.   At the same time it is usually apparent that fragmented solutions with many groups pushing independently for their own interests result in unsatisfying outcomes.  Consensus processes help diverse groups work together to meet these challenges.  Complex situations become better understood by everyone involved and this understanding forms the basis for creative and satisfying solutions.

What:  A consensus process gets the main stakeholders in a situation together face to face to work on best satisfying the important interests of everyone involved.

How:  Consensus processes have three main stages, preparation, negotiating how to negotiate, and discussions/agreements on substance.

· Preparation.  The stage includes agreeing on a third party facilitator, initial third party interviews to get a preliminary idea of the key stakeholders and issues, and confirming the arrangements for the initial face to face meeting of all stakeholders.

· Negotiate how to negotiate.  This step begins at the initial stakeholder meeting and is critical.  What issues will be in the scope of the discussions.  Who will be involved.  How will unexpected situations be dealt with.  How will confidentiality and media be handled...  These initial contracting discussions set a constructive tone and increase the odds of success in the substantive discussions.

· Discussions and agreements on substance.  The parties themselves, with the assistance of the facilitator communicate their interests, gain a better understanding of the interests of the other stakeholders and work together to create options to best satisfy all interests.  Solutions are such that all stakeholders can live with the final results.