Consensus Building Techniques

Help diverse groups reach genuine agreement.

Innovative approaches to facilitate agreement among diverse stakeholder groups.

Type
Discussion
Time
Group size
Best as
Stakeholder engagement
In depth

A little more detail.

Outcomes

What you'll leave with.

Facilitation notes

How to run it.

When to use it

Use Consensus Building Techniques when a decision needs the support of stakeholders who do not naturally agree. Structured approaches surface differences, find common ground and reach an agreement people will stand behind.

Use it when

  • A decision affects several groups with competing interests.
  • You need durable buy-in rather than a majority that leaves others resentful.
  • Earlier attempts to agree have stalled or polarised.

Not the right tool when

  • You still need to hear each group's views in depth. Use Stakeholder Interviews.
  • The forum is a large public one. Use Public Consultation Events.
Used in

Workshops that feature this tool.

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Use it with your team

This tool works best in a well-facilitated room.

Using this tool with a skilled facilitator means that discussions are focused, time is used efficiently, and the group moves toward consensus, making the session productive and impactful.