People often think that the most challenging aspect of a consensus decision-making process is getting everyone to agree on a solution. However, equally problematic is when people come to a group decision too easily. Sometimes people donʼt want to be seen as the one who expresses opposition and others may want to avoid “conflict” because they donʼt know constructive ways of expressing a different perspective. In other cases, there can be a group member (such as a boss in an organization) who carries more weight or authority with the group, and other group members are hesitant to disagree with them.
When a group agrees too easily, it is likely that there are unexpressed concerns that have not been explored or integrated into the solution. Not only does that make for a solution that is not optimal, but very often it decreases the level of commitment of group members who have not expressed their considerations openly and instead withhold their participation and energy.
A useful tool in preventing this kind of “group think” is that of “devilʼs advocate.” A devilʼs advocate is someone taking on a role that challenges the predominant point of view in order to test its strength and precipitate further discussion and comprehensive thinking. Even if one doesnʼt personally hold this contentious position, it can be a useful exercise to present a divergent perspective in order for the group to consider factors that it hadnʼt entertained up until that point.
A devilʼs advocate position can also take on any unrepresented points of view. For example, the group may want to consider the effects of the decision on the environment, neighbors, or children who are not participating in the decision-making process but are affected by the decision. A devilʼs advocate can attempt to give voice to these entities in a way that advocates for their point of view, needs or preferences so that those can be considered in crafting a solution. In addition, stating that one is “playing devilʼs advocate” can be a graceful way of introducing ideas which doesnʼt put one in the place of opposing the rest of the group, but instead simply presents them in a way that can potentially improve the efficacy of the outcome.
It is always useful for one of more people in a group to take on the devilʼs advocate role at some point in the consensus process in order to assure that all the important reasons “why not” have been considered and incorporated in the final solution.
Action Step:
Try on the role of devilʼs advocate in a group or even when making decision on your own in order to flush out all the important considerations for a good solution.
