In this guide, you will learn how to make decisions in small and large groups. We discuss how to take into account inclusivity, power dynamics and flexibility. We compare various decision making models and provide some recommendations for new groups.

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Related guides: Also check out our guide on facilitating meetings. and organizing models.

Principles #

There is limited time #

Every decision is made within a limited timeframe. Some decisions may take place over a few days, others within seconds. Some decisions have a big impact, other have a small impact. Generally, you should spend more time on more impactful decisions.

Sometimes though, you will be forced to make really impactful decisions really quickly. The world is not static: the context in which your decision takes place is changing all the time. As the world changes, your questions and their answers will also need to change. This is why it is important not just to find the most optimal solution, but also to learn how to make decisions faster. Preparation can help avoid being forced to make important decisions too quickly. However, you should also be prepared for the unexpected. You need to practice using different decision making models suited for different timing contexts.

Also important to realise: not making a decision equals making the decision to continue doing what you were doing.

For example, people are suffering because of the climate and ecological catastrophe right now. The more time you take to decide what is the best way to do something about that, the longer people will be suffering. There are also literal deadlines: we do not know exactly when tipping points will occur, but when they do, there is no going back.

Power always exist #

Saying 'we are a decentralised movement, nobody has power' does not make it true. In the absence of an explicit power division, society's default power relationships are more likely to be present.

Perfect decisions do not exist #

No matter how long you take to make decisions as a group, you will not find the perfect solution. And of course: as discussed before, all decisions must be made in a limited timeframe. Decision making is about finding good enough solutions, and continuously optimising to find better ones.

Humans are not robots #

Humans do not make rational decisions as if we were computers. We have all sorts of decision biases. In part, we can optimize our decision making practices to avoid these biases. However, it is not possible to 'overcome' them, nor should you try to. Instead, just acknowledge the existence of this part of human nature, and design your strategy and tactics to take into account this fact.

We are social and emotional beings. [ADD EXAMPLES, EXPLAY WHY RELEVANT]

Importantly, when we understand human nature better, we can actually more effectively bring about social change. [ADD EXAMPLE]

Decision-making models #

• Elections

• Consensus (page needs to be created)

• Holacracy

• Sociocracy (sociocracy versus holacracy)

Improve this page #

Topic suggestions #

You can improve this page by adding information about the following topics:

• Decision making

  • Structure: centralised/decentralised

  • Accountability & responsibility

  • Quick decision making during actions

• Democratic decision making (giving everyone the opportunity to speak, but at the same time still being able to make swift decisions)

• Having clear rules on decision making (preventing the rule of the strongest/loudest in the absence of guidelines on decision making)

• Delegation (working in teams)

• Making sure everyone feels heard (step-up/step-down technique)

• Quick decision making (in the heat of the moment during actions)

• Effective brainstorming (not just coming up with ideas but actually bringing them to life)

• Add a page on how to use the werewolves game to train in facilitation and decision-making.

Search terms #

People are looking up information about the following topics on search engines:

*According to Semrush

External resources #

• Crowdsourcing ideas and content from supporters by Blueprints for Change

• The Decider App (should be added to Tools chapter)

• https://www.seedsforchange.org.uk/consensus

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consensus_decision-making

• Art of Hosting

• Is your movement too white

• Questions for Learning, Co-Creation and Liberation by Margaret Pestorius

Leadership #

• Orienting Ideas in Leadership by Community Tool Box

• Core Functions in Leadership by Community Tool Box

• Becoming an Effective Manager by Community Tool Box

• Group Facilitation and Problem-Solving by Community Tool Box

• Academic: Developing Leadership by Community Tool Box

• Community Organising Leadership in Uncertain Times by Community Organising Fellowship

• Supporting Indigenous Leadership in the Climate Movement by Sustaining All Life

• What Makes a Good Leader for Social Change? by Building Power