Consent as an alternative method for decision-making

Really good decision making requires a model in which those who have knowledge can also have the input that does justice to that knowledge. The possibility for an open discussion, in which there is room for all relevant arguments and feelings about the decisions to be taken. This provides for decision-making by consent.

Can you live with it?

Decision making based on consent is based on the equivalence of the individuals. On the basis of this principle, decisions are only taken if there is no overriding and substantiated objection to the proposed decision. This creates a good basis for applying the ‘who knows may say it’ principle in practice.

Where, in democracy, the question is: ‘Do you agree with the proposed decision?’ is the question asked by consent: ‘Can you live with the proposed decision? And if not, what’s your overriding and argued objection? A practical addition that leaves even more room for the expertise of those involved is the follow-up question: ‘Do you have a proposal that is better than the current proposed decision?

Once a decision has been taken in this way, the decision-makers commit themselves to consistent implementation. After all, everyone participates in the decision made, you feel heard and understood, even if you think things can be done differently and better. You can’t hide behind another point of view anymore.

Implementing other decisions requires some discipline, because wanting to convince each other is in our genes. Being consistent and always going back to the principles and rules of the game is therefore important. Once it works, there will be more calm in the decision-making process and those involved will be satisfied (2).