Skip to content

Green color

Home arrow My Blogs arrow Gradient of Agreement
Gradient of Agreement Print E-mail
Tuesday, 15 May 2007

I'm a big fan of Sam Kaner's Guide to Participatory Decision-Making, ISBN 0-86571-347-2. I highly recommend it to anyone who leads meetings.

In my post on Decide as a Team, I wrote about using a method called Roman Evaluation to reach a decision. Kaner talks about a more formal concept he calls Gradient of Agreement in his book.

I am less enthusiastic about the Gradient of Agreement today than when I was first introduced to it.

Why? 

The following table compares Roman Evaluation versus Gradient of Agreement:

Roman Evaluation Gradient of Agreement
Thumb up I agree. Endorsement I like it.
Thumb Sideways
 I will accept the majority's decision and support it.
 Endorsement with a Minor Point of Contention Basically, I like it.
Agreement with Reservations I can live with it.
Abstain I have no opinion.
Stand Aside I don't like this, but I don't want to hold up the group.
Formal Disagreement but Willing to Go with the Majority I want my disagreement noted in writing but I'll support the decision.
Formal Disagreement With Request to be Absolved of Responsibility for Implementation I don't want to stop anyone else, but I don't want to be in involved in implementing
Thumb Down I disagree (veto) or I have something to say Block I veto this proposal

Although I know the Gradient of Agreement will work, especially with large groups, it seems overly complex to me compared to Roman Evaluation. And Gradient of Agreement has levels (blue font) that seem ambiguous to me. I question whether a participant could support the decision; for instance, it's hard for me to support a proposal which I don't have an opinion; or I don't like; or I disagree with; or I don't want any implementation involvement. I suspect a participant that voted that way would provide, at best, lukewarm support.

I prefer the simplicity and clear meaning that comes from using Roman Evaluation.

©2007 Steven M Smith

Tags See All Tags


Cooperation  Decision Making  Meetings 

Trackback(0)
Comments (1)add comment
good point
written by Sports Artist , March 27, 2008

I agree Its hard to support a proposal or an idea that you don't like or agree with. It doesn't feel comfortable backing something you don't believe in. As my old coach you to say "Give 100% or don't give anything at all".



Write comment

busy
 
Next >
[ Back ]

Newsflash