Visual voting - power to the people!

With all the discussions about elections now seems to be a good time to ask 'how are you achieving democratic decision making in your meetings?'

Group decision making need not be an onerous or difficult task, although it may feel like that when there are numerous and often complex options to choose from with no "stand out" idea or solution.

Voting, visual or otherwise, is a powerful signal. It demonstrates that, as a leader, you value empowering your meeting participants to engage with the ideas generated and you wish them to take genuine ownership of the decisions made.

Critically, voting requires leaders to demonstrate trust, especially when the group may favour one option when leaders may favour another. There's little point in using voting when the final decision is going to be made another way, such as the leader or an expert deciding. In this case it is better to be transparent. Maybe the group can vote on a shortlist of options before the final decision is made? No one wants claims that the election was stolen!

The process of voting can be fun and engaging. There are various methods of voting, including the use of voting dots, counters or chips, right the way through to "human voting" where participants simply vote with their feet and cluster around the idea (for example on a flip-chart) that most appeals to them.

In my book, in addition to the 'Visual Voting' process (using dots), I describe the 'Show me the money!' process (illustrated below), explaining how participants can use counters, chips or even chocolate coins to vote for options. This process can work well on a flat surface rather than on a wall. Now is a good time to take advantage of all those Christmas chocolate coins in the shops (and you can eat them afterwards of course - bonus!).

However you choose to use voting in your meetings, be prepared and commit to doing it well. Here are several tips to make that voting process as smooth as possible:

• Use an easily understandable process, such as dot voting.
• Clearly explain HOW the process will work, including how many votes each participant will have and where they can use them.
• Before the vote, provide clarity on the criteria to be used. For example, the most impact on the customer, the highest potential income, the easiest to implement etc.
• Provide an opportunity for questions before the process commences.
• Demonstrate equality in the process. Ideally everyone should have equal opportunity to vote, however this may not always be the case, for example in the case of the casting vote. In this case ensure everyone is aware of the distribution of votes.
• Be creative with the process - it can be enjoyable, enhancing the experience of participating in your meeting.
• Involve participants in counting the votes and identifying the winning idea(s).
• Celebrate a decision well made!

'Meet with Impact - 40 visual tools for productive workshops and engaging meetings' is published by Pearson Business (2019). Available through the Inky Thinking shop (at a reduced price), Amazon, or your friendly local bookseller.

Neuland voting dots (as featured in the banner image) are available from the Inky Thinking shop alongside many other visual meeting resources.