Consensus Workshop Method

The Consensus Workshop Method was developed within the framework of the Technology of Participation (ToP®). Its goal is to develop a sustainable consensus from a wide range of ideas and opinions. Unlike brainstorming, the method does not stop at collecting ideas but leads through clustering, prioritizing, and shared interpretation toward clear, shared results. This method is particularly suitable when a group wants to develop shared goals, values, or next steps. It promotes listening, cooperation, decision-making, and strengthens trust within the group.

Warm up


Consensus is not when everyone thinks the same, but when everyone can recognize themselves in the result

Take a short moment for the following questions:

  1. When have I experienced a group truly making a decision together – not through voting, but through discussion?

  2. What is a “good consensus” for me?

  3. What difficulties often arise in group decision-making?

Together with your buddy:
Which topic in our context would need a clear shared decision?

 

Learn

The Consensus Workshop Method originated in the 1960s in the context of community development (Institute of Cultural Affairs, ICA). It belongs to the family of Technology of Participation (ToP®) methods.

Principles

  1. Participation of all – every voice counts.

  2. Structured process – leads from diversity to clarity.

  3. Visualization – all ideas are visible and equally valued.

  4. Dialogue orientation – no dominance of individuals, but shared meaning.

  5. Shared responsibility – results belong to everyone.

Process in phases

  1. Clarify context & question – formulate a clear guiding question.

  2. Collect ideas – silently or in small groups, on cards.

  3. Share & make visible – read cards aloud in the plenary, pin them to a board.

  4. Clustering – group similar ideas together, form thematic areas.

  5. Find headings – each group/cluster receives a shared “essence”.

  6. Confirm consensus – the group checks whether it can support the results.

Dive in 1

Pedagogical relevance

• Trains democratic competencies: listening, including perspectives, making constructive decisions.
• Shows that diversity of ideas does not have to mean chaos, but can lead to greater clarity.
• Makes visible: consensus ≠ unanimity, but a result that everyone can support.

Find out more:

Consensus Workshop Method (ToP®)

Transfer 1

Conduct a small consensus workshop (90 minutes) with your group:

  1. Formulate a guiding question (e.g., “What is most important to us for the class climate?”).

  2. Everyone silently writes 3–5 ideas on cards.

  3. Cards are collected, read aloud, and pinned to the wall.

  4. The group clusters similar cards.

  5. Each group receives a title/sentence that describes the essence.

  6. Results are reviewed and jointly confirmed.

Here comes the detailed checklist for the Consensus Workshop Method (ToP®), so that you can immediately use it as a practical facilitation and planning tool.

CHECKLIST

Reflect

Reflect

• What was it like to see my ideas made visible as equal?
• What helped us reach a consensus?
• What differences are there between voting and consensus?
• How can we use this method more often in the future?

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