Cohousing-L Mailing List: RE: consensus vote question

[Rob Sandelin (floriferous]

I have used for years and taught a few groups a simple fingers methodogy
which in my experience functions  very well in groups  less than about  50
people.

The question is asked: If you can support this proposal as it stands show
one finger, if you still have a question, issue or  concern about this
proposal show 2 fingers. Then the facilitator calls out 3,2 1, show fingers.
Everyone  shows their finger choice all at once, and it is  not OK to change
your finger choice at this point. The facilitator then focuses on the people
who show two fingers, asking them what their issue is, getting the group to
solve  the problems or answer questions. When all the issues have been
addressed, the call for fingers is  done again, with the same process. When
you call for fingers and all show one finger, you have consensus.

This process works well because it focuses the groups talents and energies
on the folks that have specific issues and concerns and works through these
one at a time. This also avoids the notion of "blocking" altogether, we
simple honor all the issues and concerns until we are done. It also makes
people clarify their issues and engages the group to resolve them. When an
irresolvable issue comes up, it can then illuminated right on the spot and
the person with this issue can then be asked if they can stand aside and let
the group move forward, learn whatever lessons it needs to learn, and then
check back later. Almost always,  the "irresolvable" objection is either
based on some fear of consequence or a personal value, either of which can
be worked around as a sunset decision (we will revisit this in 6 months) or
as a stand aside.

I find groups that use blocking as a choice get stuck more often than not
because they allow people to easily block the group, then don't have the
tools or the time or whatever to process it further. This can encourage the
dysfunctional person to use blocking power to hold the group hostage to
their values, or other desires.

Rob Sandelin
Community Works! Group Process Workshops for social change groups.
Check out the resources at http://www.ic.org/nica/cw1.htm
The online draft of my book will be coming soon to the website above

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