This week, trough our internal social network, I learned about a tool to measure the level of consensus in a team for a certain decision. Measuring consensus helps deciding whether or not to continue a discussion about the decision. The tool to use is the FIST TO FIVE, where all participants are asked to vote for the decision with their hands:
0 fingers |
I’m not convinced, discussion is required |
I finger |
I party agree on the matter, but I like to discuss the approach |
2 fingers |
I’m comfortable with the solution presented, but I’d like to discuss some details |
3 fingers |
I’m not fully comfortable, but I will follow the rest of the Group, no discussion needed |
4 fingers |
I’m comfortable witht this solution |
5 fingers |
I’m convinced this solution is the right one |
This method of taking votes is more detailed than a simple ‘yes’or ‘no’ and provides the opportunity for team members to express their reservations concerning the presented solution when they vote with 3 or less fingers. This way, team members feel their opinion matters and will contribute to the level of team commitment towards the solution.
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