For a long time it was clear to me: decisions in the team need consensus - everyone has to agree before we act. That sounds democratic, appreciative and integrative. But recently I experienced how powerful a different principle can be: consent .
At first everything resisted in me. How should I support a decision if I am not fully convinced? How can I go over the opinion of others? And yet this experience changed me - because I understood: Consent does not mean indifference. It means trust.
What is the difference?
🤝 consensus means : together we are looking for the best possible solution that everyone agrees . That sounds ideal - but can also paralyze, especially in complex or time -critical situations.
🚀 Consent asks instead : Are there serious objections to this solution? If not - then we try it out!
The principle comes from models such as Sociocracy or Holacracy and is based on a simple but powerful thoughts:
"Good Enough for Now, Safe Enough to Try."
Instead of looking for perfect answers, responsibility is distributed . The team gets into action, gains experience - and develops in doing.
Why consent me so fascinated me so much
Consent is based on something that wears every good cooperation: trust .
It means:
- We give each other Advance trust
- We accept that not everything has to be perfect
- We recognize: Courage and feedback often bring us further than endless discussions
In practice, this approach strengthens team cohesion. Decisions are not postponed, but implemented together, iterative and learning -oriented .
Courage to decide - even if it gets uncomfortable
Consent does not mean ignoring objections - on the contrary. Critical perspectives are central. But instead of translating every voice into a common solution, the crucial question is:
Is this objection substantial enough to block the decision?
This creates rooms for constructive tension - and at the same time for real progress. Learn teams, share responsibility and to carry decisions. This makes them more resilient and more capable.
Conclusion: From the discussion to movement
Consent is more than a decision -making principle - it is an attitude . Errors are allowed. Learning is welcome. Responsibility is shared.
In a world that changes quickly, we need methods that are not only well thought out, but also implementable . Consent offers exactly that - with a simple but effective approach:
Good enough for now. Sure enough to try it.
This approach can also be implemented very well in a Lego Serious Play Workshop or in a workshop with other methods.