# Reaching Consensus

> Facilitate group decision-making. Use when teams need to align on decisions, resolve disagreements, or make collective choices. Covers consensus techniques.

- Skill: `majiayu000/reaching-consensus` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add majiayu000/reaching-consensus`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/majiayu000/reaching-consensus/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: majiayu000 (https://skillmd.com/u/majiayu000)
- Updated: 2026-09-09
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/majiayu000/reaching-consensus

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# Reaching Consensus

## Consensus vs. Voting

**Voting**: Majority wins, minority loses
**Consensus**: Everyone can support the decision

## Consensus Levels

| Level | Meaning |
|-------|---------|
| 1 | Fully support |
| 2 | Support with minor concerns |
| 3 | Can live with it |
| 4 | Have serious concerns |
| 5 | Cannot support |

Goal: Everyone at level 3 or better.

## Techniques

### Fist of Five
Quick check on support:
- **5 fingers**: Fully support
- **4 fingers**: Support
- **3 fingers**: OK with it
- **2 fingers**: Concerns
- **1 finger**: Strong concerns
- **Fist**: Block

### Gradients of Agreement
1. Enthusiastic Yes
2. Supportive Yes
3. Willing Yes
4. Reservations
5. Stand Aside
6. Block

### Proposal-Based
1. Present proposal
2. Clarifying questions
3. Quick reactions
4. Amendments
5. Check for consensus
6. Iterate if needed

## When Stuck

### Disagree and Commit
- Debate thoroughly
- Make decision
- Everyone commits
- Review later

### Time-Boxing
- Set decision deadline
- If no consensus, fallback option
- Owner makes final call

### Smaller Group
- Delegate to experts
- Report back
- Full group ratifies

## Facilitation Tips

1. Ensure everyone speaks
2. Summarize positions
3. Find common ground
4. Address concerns directly
5. Document the decision
6. Include dissenting views