Have you ever left a meeting or planning session feeling like there were a lot of ideas shared but nothing decided on?  Perhaps feeling frustrated or like time was wasted?

Tom Leahy shares a simple, but effective tool that can support any group in their decision making process. It is one way to help ideas and opinions be heard and keep the team moving forward.

1.   DISCUSSION TIME…Set a time limit for a discussion and opinions

2.   PROPOSAL…Someone make a proposal.  The language is…”I HAVE A PROPOSAL…”

3.   VOTE…4 possible movements

          A.    THUMBS UP…I AM ALL FOR IT 100%

          B.    THUMBS SIDEWAYS…I CAN LIVE WITH IT AND I WILL NOT GET IN THE WAY

          C.    THUMBS DOWN…I CANNOT LIVE WITH IT

          D.    HOLD UP A HAND…I HAVE A QUESTION BEFORE I AM ABLE TO VOTE

Rules…Everyone MUST vote or it is a not a vote.

            If all thumbs are up, it is unanimous.

            If any thumbs are sideways, it is consensus.

            If one thumb is down, it kills the proposal.

            Proposals must be voted on as presented.

            Once a proposal is made, no other proposal may be made until the first proposal is voted on.

Created by Thomas Leahy  

     (Thank you Tom!)

Contact Challenge U at 760-942-3539 or andi@challenge-u.com for more information on how to help your team become more effective.

Let’s see… what is blooming with me?  Too many things… or maybe just the right amount.

It has been feeling more like too many things lately.  I have been a bit overwhelmed.  I am sure some of you can relate.  This morning I decided I needed a dose of clarity.

So, I got my big black beautiful horse, Sampson, and asked him to assist me on what I needed to be clear about.  Here is what I came to:

•   The time things are taking is the right amount of time.

•   I can trust that my vision will occur.

•   In any given moment I can shift my perspective which in turn, shifts my reality.

•   That I am on the right track in my life.

•   It is time to let go of what got me here that is not what will get me to the next stage.  And it is ok to let go.

•   Even though I do not “know” all I would like to, I “know” everything I need to in this current moment.

•   He always has my back.

In a ten minute time frame, I shifted my energy from inward, distracted, and disconnected to light, peaceful and inspired.  Once again, Sampson supported me with exactly what I needed.  He energetically helped me answer a very important question and my entire day has been different as a result of it.

Thank you, Sammy!  I appreciate you for bringing the wisdom of the black horse into my life today!

Andi

To compromise is to make a deal between different parties where each party gives up part of their demand.

Consensus decision-making is a decision making process that seeks the consent, not necessarily the agreement of participants and the resolution of objections.

Compromise is an experience that I’m actually not fond of.  Growing up in our society, I’ve heard compromise used extensively; in relationships, at work, when chasing dreams, etc.  My truth is that I don’t find “compromise” helpful or empowering in life.  It seems to me, compromising feels like losing or giving in.  There’s no real win-win in it.

I’ve become a fan of consensus… It feels like everyone involved can win by having a voice, opinions, differing belief systems, with the end goal being to align to an end result or outcome instead of giving up something. 

What if we began to encourage thoughtful consensus instead of compromise?  Would that take the “battle” out of partnerships?  No more “My way is the only right way” thinking… What if everyone were “right” based on their knowledge, experience and beliefs?  And what if stepping in to the process of creating consensus allowed us all to win?

Personally, I’ve stepped in to a consensus model.  I like when everyone wins through alignment!  I believe there is significant “truth” in the old saying “No one wins if we all don’t win”… I don’t win unless my horses win through like language, simply coming to consensus

It seems to be time to rethink – everything.  Compromise or Consensus?  What do you think?  Let me know.

Happy Trails

From “The Horse’s Mouth” . . . Cathy Huddleston

760-942-3539- office

951-595-9312- direct

Cathy@challenge-u.com