Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Consensus, Majority Vote, "Blocks"

[Eris Weaver (eris]

One of the best phrases I learned in my journey to becoming a professional
facilitator is "Is it plenary-worthy?"

I have observed that when a community feels frequently bogged down in the
consensus process, it is because they are bringing too many and/or the wrong
types of issues to their plenaries. Consensus is not the appropriate tool
for every category of decision; and the entire group is not the appropriate
venue for every decision. Many administrative or operational issues can and
should be delegated, as well as decisions that require very particular
expertise. Bringing items to the whole group when most of the group has no
interest or knowledge relevant to the decision results in boredom and
disengagement. Bringing too many small issues to the plenary can also be a
symptom of a lack of trust & connection in the group (folks don't trust
committees to make decisions on their behalf).

------------------------------
Eris Weaver, Facilitator & Group Process Consultant
Author, "Let's Talk About Money: A Conversation Guide for Intentional
Communities"
eris [at] erisweaver.info
707-338-8589
http://www.erisweaver.info
http://erisweaver.blogspot.com


fa cil' i tāt: to make easier