Decision Making Tools
In our decisions we will drive toward consensus. If we cannot reach consensus in a reasonable, predetermined amount of time, we agree to concede to a majority vote. Majority is 75%. Quorum is 70%.
We will create an environment in which all the folks trust the process and the community so that those who fall in the minority during majority voting can fully and actively support the decision.
Decision Making Tools
Temperature Check
Thumbs Up, Sideways, Down
- Are we ready to make a decision?
- Can be used to make small decisions.
Fist of 5
Primary tool to determine consensus
- People can vote with 0-5 fingers
- 0 = no support
- 3 = neutral
- 5 = complete support
- Encouraging discussion with folks under 5 or 4 fingers
Round Robin
As needed when more input for consensus is needed.
- In advance of determining consensus everyone shares their thoughts on the topic.
- Timed
- Every individual gets a chance to speak
- Ensure everyone has had opportunity to voice insights/concerns
Fishbowl
If there is a dispute around a decision
- Identify the perspectives related to the decision
- Identify an individual to represent each perspective
- These individuals are in the fishbowl
- All other individuals are observers and do not speak
- Those in the fishbowl have a discussion of the concerns
- The larger community is trusting them to find solutions
- They are seeking to win together, to learn and understand each other’s perspectives
- The goal is to work through the perspectives, understand each of the nuances, talk through the concerns, and identify a collectively supported way forward
- The observers can ask questions to ensure any added concerns are addressed
- Ensure that those in the fishbowl have covered all concerns
- Their goal is to help obtain consensus
- When the fishbowl is finished, the subject can move to Fist of Five or Round Robin
- Take Temperature Check
- Use to determine if move to Fist of Five (thumbs are up) or Round Robin (some sideways or down thumbs that don’t change with simple clarifications
Polls and Forms
For absent members
- Forms and polls and other such tools should be used to provide opportunity for absent members to contribute their voice
- If sufficient membership/quorum is in attendance, this is not required
- If the subject is substantial, this is appropriate even if there is a quorum
- Forms and polls should be completed within an appropriate time frame of no less than 24 hours and no more than 1 week.
- Timeframe should consider such things as if research, notes review, or one on one calls (for updated information and questions) are needed and allow time for that.
- All involved should be committed to completing forms and polls
- Forms and polls should be circulated with any added information that will help each member know the subject at hand and make an informed decision, such as links to notes or articles.
- A Forms and Polls day can be established
- A link tree or other such resource can be updated regularly with links to forms and polls.
- All members know to look for any new polls and forms on a particular day or on particular days.
- Those seeking insights from polls and forms can submit/circulate them with the assigned day(s) in mind.