How can you make consensus-based team decisions?

IT leaders may enhance consensus-based team decisions by employing clear communication, setting transparent expectations, and involving team members in problem framing from the outset. By utilizing collaborative tools and establishing shared objectives, they can foster a unified understanding of the issue, ensuring that all voices are considered. This alignment sets the stage for creative problem-solving and collective ownership of both the process and outcomes, strengthening the team's coherence and effectiveness.

In addition to your “define the problem and the goal “ statement. I would start with few things that have evolved in today organizations in respect of culture and industry growth. People grew to be more sensitive, they questions everything and loyalty and needs have evolved ;but companies not so or not always. I would start first assessing the employee culture and corporation culture and if this bond actually matches. Than I would see and do a little check in if my corporations is actually aligned with ever evolving AI applications, gamifying some processes ,which I mean would include, give people incentives that match their needs. It goes a long way, when we don’t need to micromanage and rather empower and trust.

For brainstorming and evaluating options, I like to have the group discuss the problem and then write possible solutions/ideas to address the issue on stick notes. The notes can be grouped by similarity and then the groupings can be discussed and voted on as a team. The top couple options should become obvious, but selecting between them and discussing the merits is where the group can really build the collaboration muscle.

Aspects as mentioned fall under the umbrella of change management. It would be good to add this definition and stress the importance of a well defined & executed change management program

Building consensus sounds easy, but really this is likely to be the most challenge part of building a plan with the team. As a facilitator, it's important to make sure the ideas that are put forth are fully understood by the room. In my experience, this can include making sure that the more dominant and assertive members of the group are not the only ones heard. It's important to protect the floor for all team members and encourage the participation of people who may be more contemplative or introverted in the discussion. Coming away with a decision is not always synchronized with buy-in and consensus. Be sure that your team feels heard and the viewpoints considered.

Tolerate failure. A culture that tolerates failure encourages innovative ideas and out of the box solutions. A/B test the most viable options.

Don't misjudge or treat newcomers badly. Remember, you were in their place once. No one is born with knowledge. It comes with experience.

One thing that I found helpful is to praise Ethics in the work environment. Don't let competition and differences stop you from respecting others presepectives. Wherever you are in the hierarchy, Whatever authorities you have , Be humble and learn from others and let them contribute actively without any interference.

Making consensus-based team decisions involves engaging team members, facilitating open discussions, and ensuring that everyone's input is considered before reaching a collective agreement. If you are open to iterating and refining the proposed solutions based on feedback and suggestions from team members it will help ensure that everyone is well-informed and can contribute meaningfully.