Techniques for Reaching Group Consensus
Facilitation techniques help groups reach consensus by ensuring all voices are heard and considered. However, not all techniques are suitable for this purpose.
Exam Question
Which of the following techniques is NOT suitable for a group to reach consensus?
(choose the best answer)
A. Thirty-five.
B. Fist of five.
C. 1-2-4-All.
D. Gallery walk.
E. White elephant.
Correct Answer
E. White elephant.
Explanation
Correct Answer
E. White elephant:
The White Elephant technique is not typically used for reaching consensus. Instead, it is a facilitation technique designed to surface and discuss the “elephant in the room” or the big, often unspoken issues that might be affecting the team. This technique is more about identifying and addressing significant underlying issues rather than building consensus.
Why the Other Options Are Suitable
A. Thirty-five:
This technique involves participants rating ideas on a scale of 1-7, and the idea with the highest cumulative score wins. It is useful for reaching consensus as it allows everyone’s input to be considered.
B. Fist of five:
Participants show their level of agreement with a proposal using their fingers (five being full agreement, one being no agreement). It is a quick and effective way to gauge consensus.
C. 1-2-4-All:
This technique involves individuals thinking about a problem, then discussing it in pairs, then in fours, and finally in the whole group. It helps in generating ideas and building consensus through structured discussions.
D. Gallery walk:
Participants walk around the room viewing ideas or items posted on the wall and provide feedback. This technique encourages discussion and helps build consensus by allowing everyone to see and comment on each idea.
Insights from the White Elephant Technique
- Identifying Issues: The White Elephant technique is particularly useful for surfacing and discussing significant issues that might be affecting team dynamics or performance.
- Open Discussion: It encourages open discussion about these big issues, helping teams to address and resolve them.
- Building Trust: By addressing the “elephants in the room,” teams can build trust and improve their working relationships.
Relevance to the PSF Skills Exam
Understanding the appropriate use of various facilitation techniques is crucial for the PSF Skills exam. This knowledge demonstrates the ability to choose and apply the right techniques to achieve desired outcomes in Scrum events.
Key Takeaways
- The White Elephant technique is used to surface and discuss significant underlying issues, not for reaching consensus.
- Techniques like Thirty-five, Fist of five, 1-2-4-All, and Gallery walk are suitable for building consensus.
- Effective facilitation requires choosing the right technique based on the desired outcome.
Conclusion
Choosing the right facilitation technique is essential for effective Scrum events. Understanding the purpose and appropriate use of each technique helps ensure productive and successful meetings. For more information on preparing for the PSF Skills exam, visit our Professional Scrum Facilitation Skills PSF Skills™ Exam Prep.
