Consensus

Choosing by consensus means that you can move forward when everyone supports the proposal.

This differs from:

• Consent-based decision-making, where a proposal is validated if no objections are raised,
• Democracy, where decisions are taken by vote, usually until a majority agrees with the proposal.

Some self-organizing organizations opt for consensus-based decision-making, as this ensures that everyone is heard.

The limits of consensus-based decision-making

However, this method has its limitations:

• Length of process: Compared with decision-making by consent, consensus can take a very long time to achieve, leading to missed opportunities.
• Loss of innovation: To satisfy everyone, a proposal can be watered down, which can limit its innovative potential.
• Discontent: Deciding by consensus can sometimes create tensions by reducing the authority of those most affected by the consequences of the decision.