Many intentional communities use consensual decisions. In many cases, transactions with cohousing groups must be carried out within a limited time frame. Efficiency is therefore important. If the group really wants consensual decisions, there needs to be an effective method. An open discussion must be animated by a process that is in the direction of a quick and solid decision, supported by all. Various techniques have been developed to achieve this. Such a method involves the use of color cards (green, yellow, red). [4] Understanding the definition, what are the pros and cons of insisting on a consensus decision and unanimous agreement? First, we need an understanding of the nature of a body that makes these decisions. A clear phase of the review of the agreement helps to avoid this. By clearly presenting the proposal and inviting people to indicate whether they agree or disagree, we have a much clearer idea of reaching consensus.

The Quaker model has been adapted by Earlham College for application to secular attitudes and can be applied effectively in any consensual decision-making process. The emergence of consensus and direct experiences for democracy has been one of the hallmarks of student coordination committee (NCSC) voter registration projects in the southern United States; Students for a Democratic Society `Ad democratic Society` (in the mid-1960s), a few women`s liberation groups (late 1960s to early 1970s) and anti-nuclear and pacifist groups (late 1970s and early 1980s). [58] For example, the anti-nuclear alliance Clamshell alliance and Movement for a New Society has engaged in consensual decision-making processes. [59] The origins of the formation of formal consensus go back much further, to the religious society of friends or Quakers who took technology as early as the 17th century. [60] The Baptists, including some Mennonites, have a history of consensual decision-making[61] and some believe that the Baptists were already practicing consensus at the Martyrs Synod of 1527. [60] Some Christians attribute consensual decisions to the Bible. The Anabaptist Global Mennonite Encyclopedia refers in particular to Acts 15[62] as an example of consensus in the New Testament. The absence of a legitimate consensual process in the unanimous condemnation of Jesus by corrupt priests[63] in an illegal Sanhedrin court (which had rules preventing unanimous condemnation in an early trial) influenced the views of pacifist Protestants, including Baptists (Mennonites/Amish), Quakkers and shakers. In particular, it influenced his distrust of the appropriate courtrooms and “to be clear about the trial” and to come together in such a way that “everyone must be heard”. [64] Effective group decisions are a skill that can be learned.

As a result, many large employees successfully use consensus to run their businesses and have developed innovative techniques to support and accelerate decision-making. Haug, Christoph (2015): What is consensus and how is it achieved at meetings? Four consensual decision-making practices. In: Joseph A. Allen, Nale Lehmann-Willenbrock – Steven G. Rogelberg (Eds.): The Cambridge Handbook OF Meeting Science.