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    Consensue Scale
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Consensus Scale

For most complex issues a yes/no vote is less than satisfying and rarely leads to true consensus -- a solution that everyone can live with and actively support.

The next time your team is wrestling with a complex proposal draw a scale numbered 1 to 5 on a white board or flip chart. Label the scale as follows:

   5 - I love it!
   4 - I like it
   3 - I can live with AND support it
   2 - I can't actively support it
   1 - I hate it and will actively oppose it!

Ask each person to pick the number that describes their point of view and to say what concerns keep them from choosing a higher number. You will instantly know whether it is worth discussing the proposal any further and, if it is worth the time, you have an instant agenda of key issues to work through.

To download a one page slide of the Consensus Scale, click on the link below.

Download and view the Consensue Scale Tool.

This file is in Adobe Acrobat format, and requires Acrobat Reader for viewing. With Acrobat Reader browser plug in, you can view the document directly in your Web Browser. You can also save the file and view it in the standalone Acrobat Reader software.

The Consensus Scale tool is adapted from "The Facilitator's Guide to Participatory Decision Making" by Sam Kaner. This is one of the best books around on the art and practice of meeting facilitation. You can order the book through Amazon.com at the link below.

Click here to order "The Facilitator's Guide to Participatory Decision Making" from Amazon.com