You're working with a team that has diverse perspectives. How can you build consensus?

1 Define the goal

Before you dive into the details of how to achieve something, make sure you and your team agree on what you are trying to achieve. Clarify the purpose, scope, and expected outcomes of the project or task. Ask your team members to share their views and expectations, and listen actively to understand their perspectives. Summarize the main points and check for understanding and agreement. If there are any disagreements or conflicts, address them upfront and try to resolve them in a respectful and constructive way.

2 Involve everyone

Consensus means that everyone has a say in the decision-making process, not just the loudest or most senior voices. Encourage your team members to participate actively and contribute their ideas, feedback, and suggestions. Use different methods of communication and collaboration, such as brainstorming sessions, surveys, polls, or online tools, to gather input from everyone. Acknowledge and appreciate the diversity of opinions and experiences in your team, and avoid making assumptions or judgments based on stereotypes or biases.

3 Seek common ground

Once you have collected and analyzed the input from your team, look for the areas of agreement and alignment among them. Identify the key themes, patterns, and preferences that emerge from the data. Highlight the benefits and trade-offs of different options, and how they relate to the goal and criteria of the project. Invite your team members to discuss and evaluate the pros and cons of each option, and to share their preferences and concerns. Try to find a solution that meets the most important needs and interests of the majority of the team, while also addressing the concerns of the minority.

4 Test and refine

Before you finalize the decision, test it with your team and other stakeholders who might be affected by it. Ask for feedback and suggestions on how to improve or refine the solution. Be open to making adjustments or compromises based on the feedback, as long as they do not compromise the quality or feasibility of the solution. Explain the rationale and evidence behind the decision, and how it aligns with the goal and criteria of the project. Demonstrate how the decision reflects the input and perspectives of the team, and how it benefits the team and the organization.

5 Communicate and celebrate

Once you have reached a consensus, communicate it clearly and consistently to your team and other stakeholders. Provide the necessary information, resources, and support to implement the decision. Monitor the progress and outcomes of the decision, and report back to your team and stakeholders on the results. Celebrate the achievements and successes of your team, and recognize the contributions and efforts of each team member. Solicit feedback and lessons learned from your team, and use them to improve your future consensus-building processes.