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Facilitating group decision making can be a tricky process, but it is essential for cohesive and effective teams. Taking the right steps in the right order can help ensure that decision making is done in an orderly fashion, and that everyone’s voice is heard. Here are the first steps that you should take to ensure that group decision making is facilitated effectively.

Clarify and Frame the Task

The first step to facilitating group decision making is to define and clarify the objective. Everyone in the group needs to be clear and in agreement on what the task or decision is. This involves understanding any background information related to the task, what the constraints are, and any other relevant parameters. It’s important to establish these criteria and set expectations in order to ensure everyone has the same baseline understanding before beginning any discussions.

Identify all Decision Makers

The next step is to identify who all needs to be involved in the decision making process. This could include just a few key members or a larger, more diverse group. It’s important to be aware of any potential biases that could arise from having a particular group of people in the decision-making process. It’s also important to take into consideration the power dynamics within the group, either in a formal hierarchy or informal dynamics.

Establish Decision Making Processes & Protocols

Once all of the decision makers have been identified, it’s important to establish the processes and protocols for making the decision. This could be as simple as having a meeting where everyone contributes their thoughts, or it could involve a more structured process like voting. Whichever route is chosen, make sure that everyone is aware of how the decision will be made and that everyone agrees on it. It’s also important to establish the right tools and resources to ensure that all team members can participate fully.

Encourage Communication & Respect

The final step before actually getting into the decision making process is to establish a baseline of respect and communication. Everyone should be encouraged to listen to each other and express their own thoughts respectfully and openly. This will foster a more productive atmosphere where ideas can be shared without bias or prejudice.

Following these first steps can be the key to successful group decision making. It’s important to ensure that everyone is on the same page, has an understanding of the task, and knows the parameters within which the decision has to be made. Establishing the right environment and protocols can ensure that everyone is able to contribute and feel comfortable in the decision making process.