Techniques for Reaching Group Consensus
Facilitation techniques help groups reach consensus by ensuring all voices are heard and considered. However, not all techniques are suitable for this purpose. This article explores various facilitation techniques and identifies which are effective for group decision-making.
Exam Question
Which facilitation technique can be useful to help the team quickly choose a few options from a much larger pool of options?
(choose the best answer)
A. Affinity mapping.
B. TRIZ.
C. Fist of Five.
D. Dot voting.
E. White Elephant.
Correct Answer
D. Dot voting.
Explanation
Correct Answer
D. Dot voting:
Dot voting is a facilitation technique that helps teams quickly choose a few options from a larger pool. Participants are given a set number of votes (dots) which they can allocate to the options they prefer. This visual and democratic process helps the team identify the most favored options efficiently.
Why the Other Options Are Less Relevant
A. Affinity mapping:
Affinity mapping is used to organize ideas into themes but is less effective for quickly choosing a few options from a large pool.
B. TRIZ:
TRIZ is a problem-solving, analysis, and forecasting tool derived from the study of patterns of invention in the global patent literature. It is not primarily used for quickly selecting options.
C. Fist of Five:
Fist of Five is a technique used to gauge consensus and commitment to a decision rather than selecting options from a large pool.
E. White Elephant:
White Elephant is a facilitation technique designed to ensure equal participation in ordering a list of items, but it is not specifically geared towards quickly choosing options from a larger pool.
Benefits of Dot Voting
- Efficiency: Quickly narrows down options by visual voting.
- Participation: Ensures everyone has a say in the decision.
- Clarity: Provides a clear visual representation of the group’s preferences.
Key Takeaways
- Dot voting is an effective technique for quickly choosing options from a larger pool.
- Other techniques like Affinity Mapping, TRIZ, Fist of Five, and White Elephant serve different purposes in facilitation.
Conclusion
Using the right facilitation technique can significantly enhance group decision-making processes. Dot voting stands out as an efficient method for narrowing down a large set of options. For more information on preparing for the PSF Skills exam, visit our Professional Scrum Facilitation Skills PSF Skills™ Exam Prep.
