Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Consensus is the lowest bar

Consensus and collaboration are two words often used interchangeably. However, they are two separate approaches to planning.

Often, folks who defer mainly to consensus are afraid to be a bit controversial or are not sure if they own the final decision. And it's much easier to feel the love if you can get everyone to agree.

But consensus can mean we don't take as many risks. It can set a lower bar.

Collaborate always. Everyone who has a stake in the outcome should feed into a decision. However, the party responsible should take the ultimate ownership of the final direction/decision.

Thoughts?

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Agreed:-)
Collaboration with engaged stakeholders is very different from consensus. Consensus just means that no one is choosing to disagree (but they might not be totally engaged or in agreement). -- Monica