How to Reach an Agreement in Group Decisions
- 1). Appoint a leader of the group as well. The leader should be someone whom the group members listen to and respect. In a last-case scenario, this person will be the tie-breaker in a vote and may be the one to make the final decision for the group after arguments have been made in place of a vote.
- 2). Appoint a parliamentarian for the group. This should be a balanced, level-headed person who does not tend to take one side over the other on a regular basis. This person will be responsible for maintaining order, closing discussions and demanding that a decision be made or asking for a vote.
- 3). Draw up a set of rules for the group to follow regarding the decision making procedure before any discussions commence. The group leader should create the rules and submit a copy to each member. These rules should include information on how long an issue will be discussed, how long each person has to make his point, and how the vote will be conducted (for example, by ballot or show of hands). Unless there is a very vocal opposition to the rules as-is by a majority of the group, the rules are final. Each member must comply with these regulations and leave if he refuses.
- 4). Discuss the situation and allow each member to give his perspective on how the issue should be resolved or approached. Keep your time restraints, as defined by the rules, in mind.
- 5). Call for a vote (this should be done by the parliamentarian) on each proposed solution if a consensus or compromise is not obvious from the discussion. The decision that receives the most votes will be implemented. Ask the leader of the group to choose the final decisions if there is a tie between two options.
- 6). Assure the group that if the first decision is not successful, the second most-popular choice will be considered.
