Handout 11: Identifying Solutions
A local liquor store owner has heard about your program and would like to make a donation to the parent fund. He has said that you may use the $700 check any way you want, but that it must be for parents in the community. He also expects that, if you use the money, you will let everyone know that his liquor store is the sponsor. Your program could use the money. However, you are concerned that having a liquor store as a sponsor may send the wrong message.
Instructions: Brainstorm a list of solutions. After you have listed your ideas, answer the questions at right. Put a checkmark (X) next to any solution where everyone wins.
Possible Solutions Who will benefit (win) if we select this solution? Who will not benefit (lose) by this solution?
Use another piece of paper if you need more room
What Does Consensus Mean?
A consensus is a decision reached by general agreement. Even if everyone does not fully agree to every aspect of the decision reached by consensus, they all agree to accept or live with the decision.
Reaching a consensus may mean coming up with a solution no one has thought of before.
- It can take a lot of time for a team to reach a consensus. It also requires a lot of energy and imagination to find a solution that takes into account everyone's beliefs and needs.
In a consensus, the best solution for the situation is made with input from all.
- Consensus is not total agreement of the team. However,in a consensus everyone supports the team's decision because they were involved in the process.
Alternative ideas are welcomed in the consensus process.
- Creativity is very helpful to consensus decision making. Teams that have the time to explore different ideas will often reach better decisions because more options are considered.
Consensus is not necessary for all decisions made by the team.
- Important decisions that require support from the people who will put them into action should be decided by consensus. Some less important decisions are better left to an individual or a small group. Sorting out which decisions require consensus is a skill that a team can learn.
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