Roles in the Consensus Process

As the name implies, the role of the facilitator is to help make the process of reaching a consensus decision easier. Facilitators accept responsibility for moving through the agenda on time; ensuring that the Forum/Work Group adheres to the mutually-agreed mechanics of the consensus process; and, if necessary, suggesting alternate or additional discussion or decision-making techniques, such as go-arounds, break-out groups, or role-playing.

The facilitator is often the Forum Director/The Open Group Staff Liaison.

The purpose of the timekeeper is to ensure that the decision-making body keeps to the schedule set in the agenda.

The timekeeper is often the Chair.

The empathy watch – or “vibe watch” as the position is sometimes called – is charged with monitoring the “emotional climate” of the meeting, taking note of the body language and other non-verbal cues of the participants. Defusing potential emotional conflicts, maintaining a climate free of intimidation, and being aware of potentially destructive power dynamics, such as sexism or racism within the decision-making body, are the primary responsibilities of the empathy watch.

The notes-taker is identified at the start of the meeting.

The role of the notes-taker or secretary is to document the decisions, discussion, and action points of the decision-making body in a set of minutes. Unlike other forms of decision-making, consensus minutes often make a point of documenting dissenting positions.