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Tips.

Getting stuck

If the discussion seems to be going in circles, move to the decision question and ask 'It sounds like we are stuck, what is the actual choice we are trying to make right now?

Hidden decisions

If the group say 'We need more information' you can ask 'Are we making a strategic decision to delay this? And if so what is the review trigger for when we have enough information.

μ.democracy

Democracy begins with the next decision your group needs to make — written down, owned, and revisable.

mudemocracy.org

Deliberating a decision.

A guide for discussing making a decision.

This guide contains a set of questions that will reliably move you through a decision defining and recording process. This avoids constantly reviewing questions that have been settled.

Process.

Work through these steps in order during your meeting and write down the answers as you go. Use the detailed section below if the discussion gets stuck.

TitleHeadline
BackgroundWhat happened before this?
FrictionWhat's the problem we need to fix?
Decision questionWhat exactly are we deciding?
OptionsWhat are our other choices?
Key requirementsWhat matters most to us here?
DecisionWhat is the decision?
WhyWhy does this option win?
Review triggersWhen should we look at it again?
Next stepsWhat is still left to do?
Interruptions If people interrupt or debate prematurely, point back to the guide and remind them that there is a specific time for every part of the conversation.
Silence is a sign If the room goes quiet, it usually means the question is too vague or people are overwhelmed. Go back to the decision question and try rephrasing it.
Write it where people can see it If meeting in person or online, share your screen or use a whiteboard to write the answers live. This stops people from repeating themselves.

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