Introduction to Consensus

A practical guide to consensus decision-making, including clear instructions for facilitating the process

“Consensus” is a term that many people use to describe a vague process that somehow leads to general agreement. This book, written by Beatrice Briggs, an internationally recognized consultant who has been facilitating group processes for 25 years, clarifies what consensus is, what it is not and how to avoid some of the common traps that groups fall into when using this powerful decision-making approach. In addition to a clear explanation of the key elements of consensus, the book contains a guide for facilitating the process from the first introduction of an idea to making the final decision.

Beatrice Briggs has been applying consensus process to her life and work for over 20 years. Founder and director of the International Institute for Facilitation and Change, she has helped groups in Europe and all over the Americas make decisions with this contemporary version of an ancient approach to decision-making. She also counsels them when other methods would be better suited to the group´s culture and values. A native of the United States, Beatrice has been based in Mexico since 1998 and offers training and facilitation services in both English and Spanish.