Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Beyond consensus

[Michael Omogrosso (omo]

On Sun, 6 Oct 1996, Patricia A. DeWitt wrote:

> Do you have a method for dealing with an important, time of the essence
> issue when consensus can't be reached?
> 
Yes. Don't use consensus in a group which can't place time priorities 
above personal agendas.  Consensus minus one, minus two, or oneof my 
favorite consesus adaptaions, consensus minus the minority.

My point is two-fold.  IF you are using consensus in a group that binds 
itself up in the process then select another process for things like 
budget approval.  even standard parlamentary processes hae delaying tactic 
an astute student of the processes can employ.

IMHO consensus should only be used when the group values the basic 
premise that if one person feels a suggestion is so detrimental to the 
group they cannot abide by it, the suggestion should not be implemented.

Consensus requires training in the process, in trust building , in 
facilitation skills and in mediation.  The last is most important if your 
group includes members who use discussion to hear themselves talk or 
block often,or cant let go of their personal suggestions once put into 
the circle of the group (to be modified).  
Both mean they need special attention or as the  Friends say, ministry.  

If you are having problems with timely decisions look also to the way 
these issues are brought to the group.  Do people have time to look at 
suggestions proir to the discussion meeting.  Is there a discussion 
meeting and a following decision meeting to allow things to be worked 
out.  Are people take the time to do their homework before the meetings?

I have found consensus to be the most effecient decision model besides 
autocratic rule.  Given a good facilitaor and prepared participants, 
consensus beats parli-pro every time by a wide margin.

East Blair uses the consensus seeking form of Consensus minus one for two 
rounds and 2/3 majority for a last round (sad to say).

> 

Michael Omogrosso
East Blair Housing Cooperative
864 W. 4th Ave. #3, Eugene, Oregon 97402, USA
omo [at] darkwing.uoregon.edu    541-344-8444
photographer, community land trust advocate