Participation not Consensus

Having a say, Max DePree, reminds us, is different from having a vote. And likewise, we might add, cooperating is different from totally agreeing with everyone else on the team.

A leader's job is to seek input, encourage discussion and thinking, and finally (and critically) to make a decision. The job of the leader's constituents is to participate fully, contribute enthusiastically, and to accept the result of the process.

Consensus in a fast-moving operation cannot mean having no differences of opinion. It means hearing and fully considering diverse ideas, even if they run in stark opposition to the prevailing thinking. And then, the loyal opposition accepting the final decision and actively supporting it --- even if it isn't exactly how they personally would have resolved the issue.

So here's the process for productive (not crippling) participative management where an important decision hangs in the balance:

1) Invite discussion,
2) Consider all perspectives,
3) Decide in earnest,
4) Announce your decision along with the basis for it,
5) Invite and encourage buy-in from everyone involved
6) Implement!

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