Consent

Choosing by consent means that you can make a decision as long as no objection is raised against the proposal that has been made.

This differs from:

• Consensus-based decision-making, where everyone has to agree on the proposal,
• Democracy, where decisions are taken by vote, usually until a majority agrees with the proposal.

Many self-organizing organizations favor consent-based decision-making as their primary method. Self-organization frameworks such asHolacracy and sociocracy both use this process.

Faster decisions

One of the advantages of consent-based decision-making is that it speeds up the process compared with consensus. When you don't have to wait for everyone to agree, things move faster.

Less dissatisfaction

A decision taken by a majority vote can generate discontent, especially when the results are influenced by the popularity or status of a person with little concern for the consequences of the decision.

Greater commitment

Consent-based decision-making increases employee commitment, as it ensures that those directly involved in the work have greater influence over the final decision.

In practice, individuals can choose their preferred method as long as no solid, well-argued objections are raised. Unreasonable objections, such as "I'd rather you did it this way", often from people who are far removed from the operational consequences, are no longer taken into account.