Question 13: Building Consensus
Nov 7, 2008 | 5:32 pm
#16
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Seat 2A
Programs: AA EXP LT GLD 1MM, BA GLD, NH/UA*G, Hyatt GLB, Marr Tit LT PLT, IHG Dia, HH Dia, MGM NOIR, Hertz PC
Posts: 10,595
submitted by Jenbel
As has been well demonstrated, TB is not just about what ideas you bring to it, but your ability to work with others to persuade them to your viewpoint, or be flexible enough to amend your views to enable consensus to be built around your proposals. How do you go about building consensus within a group, and are you able to compromise when you feel that you are right, but cannot persuade others to your viewpoint?
As has been well demonstrated, TB is not just about what ideas you bring to it, but your ability to work with others to persuade them to your viewpoint, or be flexible enough to amend your views to enable consensus to be built around your proposals. How do you go about building consensus within a group, and are you able to compromise when you feel that you are right, but cannot persuade others to your viewpoint?
Theres always a pre-formed opinion but in the process of making a decision there are more facts and perspectives that come up.
I present my own opinions as active as I follow other proposals.
Decisions are based on facts and "gut feelings"... when you worked out both then it will be fine !
Nov 7, 2008 | 6:29 pm
#17
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA - GL, Disgruntled ex LH HON
Posts: 384
submitted by Jenbel
As has been well demonstrated, TB is not just about what ideas you bring to it, but your ability to work with others to persuade them to your viewpoint, or be flexible enough to amend your views to enable consensus to be built around your proposals. How do you go about building consensus within a group, and are you able to compromise when you feel that you are right, but cannot persuade others to your viewpoint?
As has been well demonstrated, TB is not just about what ideas you bring to it, but your ability to work with others to persuade them to your viewpoint, or be flexible enough to amend your views to enable consensus to be built around your proposals. How do you go about building consensus within a group, and are you able to compromise when you feel that you are right, but cannot persuade others to your viewpoint?
) and arguing or discussing an idea at length in an open environment, hearing all the available opinions and then seeking some more. I also believe (wow, it seems i have quite a few of those) that my voice as a one is irrelevant and it is what i bring from my experience to the group (tb) that counts and the groups decision making process. I have no problem with a decision not going "my way" - the important part is that it was done fairly and after the members reviewed all the options.
Nov 8, 2008 | 9:09 am
#18
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Leesburg, VA AA EXP, 2MM lifetime
Programs: SPG PLT, Hyatt Diamond, 10% progress towards lifetime Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 2,347
Boy, consensus building is one of those things that never really gets easier. It's a skill that you can work at, and get better at, but consensus building always requires compromise. I enjoy trying to convince people with thoughtful arguments. But voting mechanisms help draw those discussions to a close after everyone has had a chance to promote their views.
I believe in passionate discussion during the time allotted so that we can try to convince people on a specific issue, but I'm fine with not "winning" every point. At some point, a collective body needs to make a decision and move on. If the decision is wrong, we can always make another one.
I believe in passionate discussion during the time allotted so that we can try to convince people on a specific issue, but I'm fine with not "winning" every point. At some point, a collective body needs to make a decision and move on. If the decision is wrong, we can always make another one.
Nov 9, 2008 | 6:02 am
#19
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,762
Along with the question about 'no hope motions' this is a tough one! So thanks Jenbel. 
I'm really struggling with an answer to this one because in an ideal world I wouldn't really see consensus as that important on TB. An idea comes up, there's debate and sharing of information... and then a vote with everyone voting either 'yes' or 'no'. Whether a vote passes 9-0 or 6-3 makes no difference.
My view on how TalkBoard should work is that members should simply listen to all views and then vote according to whether they think something is a good idea or not. The defence against bad decisions comes from the fact there are 9 members.
Consensus obviously requires compromise - and for many of the motions TB consider there's not really much room for compromise. The classic motion is to create a forum and that's an all or nothing thing.
Where compromise and consensus does come into play is when TB is considering guidelines - where there is a clear advantage for everyone being able to sign up to a proposal. My own ability at consensus is reasonable. I'm happy to listen and will always consider reasoned argument. In the event of problems the best option is often to simply agree what can be agreed and let the balance sort itself out in due course.
I'm really struggling with an answer to this one because in an ideal world I wouldn't really see consensus as that important on TB. An idea comes up, there's debate and sharing of information... and then a vote with everyone voting either 'yes' or 'no'. Whether a vote passes 9-0 or 6-3 makes no difference.
My view on how TalkBoard should work is that members should simply listen to all views and then vote according to whether they think something is a good idea or not. The defence against bad decisions comes from the fact there are 9 members.
Consensus obviously requires compromise - and for many of the motions TB consider there's not really much room for compromise. The classic motion is to create a forum and that's an all or nothing thing.
Where compromise and consensus does come into play is when TB is considering guidelines - where there is a clear advantage for everyone being able to sign up to a proposal. My own ability at consensus is reasonable. I'm happy to listen and will always consider reasoned argument. In the event of problems the best option is often to simply agree what can be agreed and let the balance sort itself out in due course.
Nov 10, 2008 | 11:38 pm
#20
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: ANC
Programs: AS MVPG 75K, UA 2P
Posts: 1,453
I will be a pulling, and not a pushy, salesman in the marketplace of TB ideas and debate.