Working in “teams” is more than just a buzz word in business; it’s a proven way to benefit from diverse insights. While we like to think that coming to team consensus is easy, it isn’t always the case, especially when several strong opinions are involved. It’s great to have a variety of perspectives, but when you can’t agree, it stifles productivity.

When a team discussion has run its course, with no consensus in sight, there are three approaches you can use to work through it.

  1. Enable the person with ultimate authority to make the final decision based on group input
    Ideally, this person will make the call towards the end of the group discussion. However, he/she may need to go off-line for further reflection and analysis based on input provided by the team.
  2. Take the decision to a vote
    In true democratic fashion, allow people to provide input and then take the final decision to a vote. (All those in favour, say yeh!) It’s important to hear from and value everyone’s contributions. Otherwise, the most vocal or compelling person tends to direct the decision instead of the group.
  3. Assign a sub-group to take the discussion off- line
    If further information, analysis or discussion is required, assign a smaller group to take the decision off-line and report back to the full team on their decision and rationale. Often, the rest of the group will be relieved that they don’t have to spend any longer at the impasse! But be cautious of using this approach as a means of delaying a decision. There are rare instances where ‘perfect’ information is needed or where we can expect to please everyone with a decision.

Regardless of the approach you take, your goal should be to make educated decisions quickly – a key driver of productivity. “One’s ability to quickly and effectively process large amounts of information and use it to make decisions that drive the right kinds of actions,” is key to foretelling management success according to Justin Menkes in his book Executive Intelligence.