consensus and robert's rules
The idea is passed around and the pros and cons are discussed. After briefly explaining the problems created by Robert's Rules, the guide outlines the five key steps toward consensus building, and addresses the specific problems that often get in the way of a group's progress. When no one can come up with new ways to create additional value, the group’s work is done. As the author points out, gaining consensus can take more time, but it usually results in a decision that is more easily shared and supported. Sometimes the team leader appointed by the convener can play the facilitator role. A SHORT GUIDE TO CONSENSUS BUILDING. The nominating process should not be confused with the election to office. Some club bylaws state that board meetings must use Robert’s Rules, but that requirement is usually just plugged in and it’s the rare club that actually employs Robert’s Rules to any degree. The following article appeared initially in Negotiation Newsletter, May 2005. It’s effective and efficient for most groups, and it doesn’t require the learning curve of "Robert’s Rules" for new members. In this article, I will walk you through the consensus-building process and show how it can improve group decision making in your organization. Breaking Robert's Rules clearly spells out how any group can work together effectively. Robert’s Rules are based on core principles that are central strengths of our society and our democratic way of life. For that matter, it doesn’t have a lot to say directly about Church Boards as such. Assume that a few dozen people have gotten together, on their own, at a community center because they are upset with a new policy or program recently announced by their local officials. Convene the group. It puts a premium on “winning,” rather than on producing the best possible outcome for everyone. there is an alternative to "Roberts Rules." A few new people are added in light of unexpected agenda items, and everyone arrives at the first meeting with a clear understanding of the group’s mandate. Robert’s Rules are designed to protect the minority against the “tyranny of the majority.” According to the true definition and practice of democracy, might doesn’t always make right. Breaking Robert’s Rules: Consensus-Building Techniques for Group Decision Making BY LAWRENCE SUSSKIND. The team will want to create arrangements to keep in touch so that they can iron out any surprises that occur. A recorder must be assigned to produce ongoing summaries of key points of agreement. You can use a talking stick type of format and just BE COURTEOUS – have good manners. If the vote is taken by ballot, there is always the opportunity to write in a name. If a general agreement seems to be emerging (this is where good listening and facilitation skills are helpful), you can test for consensus by restating the latest version of the idea or proposal to see if everybody agrees. Going for Consensus, Not Robert's Rules. Majority rule and consensus each have their own set of benefits and obstacles, and each is impacted by unique social factors and political […] At that point, someone opts out, saying, “I had Thai for lunch, but if that’s what everybody wants, please go and enjoy yourselves.” Maybe the rest of you decide to go, but more likely you return to the list to try to identify another option that will work for everyone. As a result of the discussion—the more input, the better—the idea is often modified. The current edition is the 11th edition published in 2011. After briefly explaining the problems created by Robert's Rules, the guide outlines the five key steps toward consensus building, and addresses the specific problems that often get in the way of a group's progress. Quorums Never Disappear. If all you need is a majority, you’re likely to spend time outside the meeting piecing together a winning coalition. There’s one big problem with majority rule, however. While groups sometimes proceed informally or by consensus, it is generally accepted that ... Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (hereinafter referred to as RR). Perhaps the legal department has become a roadblock after being brought into the process too late in the game. The methods range from asking for unanimous agreement to showing how you vote by voice or other physical action to voting by secret ballot. If your association does decide to follow these rules, it should be voted on to demonstrate consensus. Decisions made by the rules can be unstable, manipulated, and reaching less than ideal conclusions. Gain a Consensus on Running the Meeting – Robert’s Rules or Robert’s Rules “Lite”? Submitted by takeok@mit.edu on ... a parliamentarian (selected by the chair), and a requirement that we adhere to Robert's Rules of Order in deciding who speaks, what the speaker is allowed to say, and how members can vote. While the team leader is clearly in charge, she might prefer to have the facilitator manage the group meetings. Yes, there is. EMBED. 21 No. There is no law mandating that nonprofits must make decisions using Robert's Rules. Suppose that a manufacturing company’s management appoints a multi-departmental team to come up with a way of speeding up the launch of new products. "Robert’s Rules" was first published in 1870, and incorporated the so-called parliamentary procedure as used by Congress. A convener from top management appoints a team leader, a vice president in charge of manufacturing, to oversee the effort. Recent delays, it seems, have cut deeply into company profits. The result is a negotiated decision that is as close to unanimous as possible. The group’s recorder generates a Web page and posts summaries of points of agreement and disagreement after each meeting. Breaking Robert's rules : the new way to run your meeting, build consensus, and get results Item Preview remove-circle Share or Embed This Item. "Robert’s Rules" was first published in 1870, and incorporated the so-called parliamentary procedure as used by Congress. An organization can nominate candidates in several ways: 1. Main It's when controversy arises that Robert's Rules can play an important role. By mail 5. What if there were a decision-making tool that generated even more legitimacy for a group recommendation? We'll consider many aspects of meeting process, noting how each approach deals with each aspect. In this situation, two votes are cast. The group’s leader manages the decision-making process by summarizing the most recently proposed package. Robert's Rules provides for constructive and democratic meetings, to help, not hinder, the business of the assembly. It … Many organizations across the country are adopting a meeting process called "Consensus." One votes in favor, one against. It does not emphasize the goal of full agreement. Finally, majority rule presumably enhances the legitimacy of decisions or recommendations by communicating to others that more people liked the proposal than didn’t. After briefly explaining the problems created by Robert's Rules, the guide outlines the five key steps toward consensus building, and addresses the specific problems that often get in the way of a group's progress. Robert’s Rules offers quite a selection of voting methods, whether you’re voting on motions or having elections. Breaking Robert's Rules clearly spells out how any group can work together effectively. So why does nearly every non-profit organization embed a reference to Robert's Rules in their bylaws? Principal among General Robert’s beliefs was the notion that, by the end of the decision-making process, a majority should rule. After briefly explaining the problems created by Robert’s Rules, the guide outlines the five key steps toward consensus building, and addresses the specific problems that often get in the way of a group’s progress. Once you have it, you won’t care much about what those outside the coalition have to say. Or maybe the sales staff has not been given the information it needs early enough to integrate new products into its marketing materials. Second, it leads to a firm decision. Under no circumstances should "undue strictness" be allowed to intimidate members or limit full participation. After all, an unhappy minority often will bide its time, awaiting an opportunity to sabotage the group’s outcome. “It’s so much harder, first of all, with nine people than with three. The Short Guide to Consensus Building (and the Handbook on which it is based) offers an alternative that builds on several decades of experience with effective consensus building techniques and strategies. It's effective and efficient for most groups, and it doesn't require the learning curve of "Robert's Rules" for new members. Roberts Rules of Order were generally invented for an organizational context in which management decisions were all made by the whole body … hence the need for motions, seconds, votes, etc. Rather, it means continually adding to a package of recommendations aimed at meeting everyone’s interests. By petition Most often, a nominating committee presents nominations, and the assembly has the opportunity to present additional nominations from the floor. The person leading the meetings, whether it’s the team leader or the facilitator, must be proficient in group problem-solving techniques. From the floor 3. The goal is unanimity, but overwhelming agreement is sufficient. Breaking Robert’s Rules clearly spells out how any group can work together effectively. Behind Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised there is over a century of experience with meetings, so its guidelines anticipate nearly every question that will arise. Perhaps you reach a tentative decision. If anyone dissents, you return to the discussion to see if you can modify the idea further to make it acceptable to everyone. Robert's Rules of Order states that a person does not have to be nominated to be elected to office. The New Testament has plenty to say about, and to, Elders, and describes leadership by a plurality of Elders. DOI:10.3912/OJIN.Vol21No02PPT01 Keywords: leadership, service, boardroom, Robert’s Rules of Order, Consensus Decision Making, board member competencies, business etiquette, group process, executive sessions, bullying, organizational and professional boards, ethical and legal processes of boards Serving on boards allows nurses to part… The latest edition of RR is the 11th edition. The team leader then delivers the final report to top management and indicates that consensus (but not unanimity) has been reached. Now the group’s face-to-face work becomes very different. Basic Registry of Identified Global Entities, CrowdRise by GoFundMe 2018 Holiday Challenge, Lessons Nonprofits Can Learn from For-Profits, National Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month, Newman's Own Foundation $500,000 Holiday Challenge, Philanthropic Return on Investment™ (PROI), Racial Equality in Philanthropy (REP) Fund, The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Section 7.4 of the Society Bylaws - Meeting Rules. A skilled chairperson allows all members to voice their opinions in an orderly manner so that everyone in … These rules were first established by General Henry M. Robert in 1876. The convener’s job is to define the task, indicate who needs to be at the table, and provide the resources necessary for the team to engage in a constructive dialogue. Properly understood, Robert’s Rules ensure that every voice in the discussion is given a respectful hearing. Consensus comes in many forms – You do not have to use Formal Consensus. By a nominating committee 2. Thus, the goal of consensus-building deliberations can be understood as maximizing joint gains —coming as close as possible to meeting all the under- lying interests of relevant stakeholders. Includes bibliographical references (p. [216]-217) and index Why break Robert's rules? Breaking Robert's Rules clearly spells out how any group can work together effectively. I hope to be able to explain the ultra basics in one column. In its first few meetings, the manufacturing company’s team brainstorms ways of addressing each of the product-launch problems outlined in the assessment. ROBERTS RULES CHEAT SHEET To: You say: Interrupt Speaker Second Needed Debatable Amendable Vote Needed Adjourn "I move that we adjourn" No Yes No No Majority Recess "I move that we recess until…" No Yes No Yes Majority Complain about noise, room temp., etc. Often the group’s work doesn’t end when it has achieved unanimity. Reprinted by permission. Let's compare what this Short Guide has to say with what Robert's Rules of Order requires. Pass or fail with numbers. In most instances, the majority rules, though someone higher up may eventually supersede the group’s authority. Tweet; Excerpt from Great Boards for Small Groups: A 1-Hour Guide to Governing a Growing Nonprofit In my work with nonprofits, I'm always mystified by the pervasive use and abuse of parliamentary procedure, also known as Robert's Rules of Order. In this case, a person can win as a write-in candidate without ever being nominated. First, because it prevents the few from dictating to the many, it satisfies our innate sense of fairness. It’s effective and efficient for most groups, and it doesn’t require the learning curve of "Robert’s Rules" for new members. MidAmerica Region Webinars YouTube channel. Everyone interviewed then receives a copy of the draft assessment for review and comment. Allow a consensus to have the final authority of the group. As a consequence, majority-rule decisions almost guarantee an unhappy minority—and instability. McKearnan, & J. Thomas-Larmer The consensus building handbook: A comprehensive guide to reaching agreement (pp. The motion is not approved, and no action has been taken. The meetings go smoothly, and you're able to decide things by consensus. When a new chair takes over the organization, have a conversation with the group and do … They enable a group to tap the wisdom and expertise of all its members. Consider how the typical group attacks a problem and negotiates a decision. Roberts sounded frustrated that consensus was more elusive on the Supreme Court than on the appellate court. Wrong. You’re also welcome to browse or search the GuideStar Blog archives. There is an alternative – Breaking Robert’s Rules. If the chair knows that a … About the Authors. After all, you're not a parliament. Why Consensus Building? • Integration of minority insights keeps group cohesive. The representative of a department, unable to make the draft accommodate its existing practices while still incorporating everyone else’s concerns and suggestions, refuses to sign. Breaking Robert’s Rules: Consensus-Building Techniques for Group Decision Making . A better way Most people have a vague sense that some process other than an up-or-down vote could produce a better decision, but they don’t know how to avoid the tyranny of the majority.