Reaching Consensus

---
name: reaching-consensus
description: Facilitate group decision-making. Use when teams need to align on decisions, resolve disagreements, or make collective choices. Covers consensus techniques.
allowed-tools: Read, Write, Glob, Grep
---

# Reaching Consensus

## Consensus vs. Voting

**Voting**: Majority wins, minority loses
**Consensus**: Everyone can support the decision

## Consensus Levels

| Level | Meaning |
|-------|---------|
| 1 | Fully support |
| 2 | Support with minor concerns |
| 3 | Can live with it |
| 4 | Have serious concerns |
| 5 | Cannot support |

Goal: Everyone at level 3 or better.

## Techniques

### Fist of Five
Quick check on support:
- **5 fingers**: Fully support
- **4 fingers**: Support
- **3 fingers**: OK with it
- **2 fingers**: Concerns
- **1 finger**: Strong concerns
- **Fist**: Block

### Gradients of Agreement
1. Enthusiastic Yes
2. Supportive Yes
3. Willing Yes
4. Reservations
5. Stand Aside
6. Block

### Proposal-Based
1. Present proposal
2. Clarifying questions
3. Quick reactions
4. Amendments
5. Check for consensus
6. Iterate if needed

## When Stuck

### Disagree and Commit
- Debate thoroughly
- Make decision
- Everyone commits
- Review later

### Time-Boxing
- Set decision deadline
- If no consensus, fallback option
- Owner makes final call

### Smaller Group
- Delegate to experts
- Report back
- Full group ratifies

## Facilitation Tips

1. Ensure everyone speaks
2. Summarize positions
3. Find common ground
4. Address concerns directly
5. Document the decision
6. Include dissenting views