Post on 01-Jan-2016
Teamwork and Consensus
Leadership
1. Information Seeker asks questions, looks for new ideas, willing to
research, open to new ideas
2. Tension Reliever encourages risk taking, uses humor, maintains a
steady attitude, looks for consensus during arguments
3. Clarifier connects ideas into wholes, orders and organizes
discussion items, is an analytical and critical thinker
4. Initiator good at assigning tasks, goal and performance
oriented
Informal Roles of Group Members
1. Gatekeeper knows the rules, watches the clock, needs to be
convinced, challenges every idea
2. Harmonizer the group cheerleader, minimizes conflict, looks out for
the feelings of all group members
3. Follower waits for the “experts” to tell them what to do, always
supports the initiators of the group
4. Information Giver very detailed oriented, never forgets information,
comes to meetings with all notes from pervious meetings
Informal Roles of Group Members
How are Roles Determined?
trust sensitivity belief in
consensus pride in
organization
value of individual differences
promptness organization enthusiasm critical thinking
Roles are determined by personalities, qualities, and values
Consensus – a collective opinion or concord, general agreement or accord
Rule by majority –Parliamentary Procedure Majority rule is the most effective if a consensus is
reached
What is a consensus?
Doesn’t mean that everyone agrees with what is being done – it is simply a general agreement to carry on with something
All team decisions should be made by consensus
The final consensus decision reflects the first choice of each team member
Consensus is fast and easy Consensus is a compromise
Misunderstandings About Consensus
Team members must be more concerned about community and less about power
The team must be more focused on team productivity than on individual credit
Consensus demands mature behavior on the part of everyone
The leader holds themselves accountable for open, honest participation
The team must be open to continuous learning
General Beliefs About Consensus
Disagreement is acceptable as long as they explain why
Expressed differences are welcome All members reactions should be heard and
considered One should never change their mind to avoid
conflict Evaluation should be suspended until all
points of view have been presented and understood
Ground Rules for Consensus
Have a backup plan in the event a consensus cannot be reached: No decision – idea is dropped Third party decides Leader decides Designated committee decides Luck decides Split decision Majority rules (or an agreed upon percentage)
Ground Rules for Consensus
The issue is clarified Discussion of the issue Reclarify any parts of the issue Each individual gives their stance The majority expresses their view The team problem-solves the minority’s view Again, each individual gives their stance
Consensus Process
The latecomer The early leaver The broken record The doubting Thomas The dropout The whisperer The know-it-all The loudmouth
Negative Distractors