For a long time, I was convinced that team decisions required consensus – everyone had to agree before we acted. That sounds democratic, respectful, and inclusive. But recently I experienced how powerful another principle can be: consent .
At first, everything in me resisted. How could I support a decision if I wasn't fully convinced? How could I disregard the opinions of others? And yet, this experience changed me – because I understood: consent doesn't mean indifference. It means trust.
What exactly is the difference?
🤝 Consensus means : We work together to find the best possible solution that everyone agrees on . That sounds ideal – but it can also be paralyzing, especially in complex or time-critical situations.
Instead , Konsent : Are there any serious objections to this solution? If not – then let's try it out!
The principle originates from models such as Sociocracy or Holacracy and is based on a simple but powerful idea:
“Good enough for now, safe enough to try.”
Instead of seeking perfect answers, responsibility is distributed . The team takes action, gains experience – and develops through doing.
Why consent fascinates me so much
Consent is based on something that underpins all 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 We often get further than endless discussions
In practice, this approach strengthens team cohesion. Decisions are not postponed, but implemented jointly, iteratively, and with a focus on learning .
Courage to make a decision – even when it gets uncomfortable
Consent does not mean ignoring objections – quite the opposite. Critical perspectives are crucial. But instead of translating every voice into a common solution, the decisive question is:
Is this objection substantial enough to block the decision?
This creates space for constructive tension – and at the same time for real progress. Teams learn to share responsibility and support decisions. This makes them more resilient and capable of taking action.
Conclusion: From discussion to movement
Consent is more than a decision-making principle – it's an attitude . Mistakes are allowed. Learning is encouraged. Responsibility is shared.
In a rapidly changing world, we need methods that are not only well-thought-out but also practical . Consent offers exactly that – with a simple yet effective approach:
Good enough for now. Safe enough to try.
This approach can also be implemented very well in a Lego Serious Play workshop or in a workshop using other methods.