Consultation is powerful. It stimulates collaboration and builds consensus. The practice transforms discussions and increases alignment among those who are committed to promoting unity, fostering inclusion and pursuing excellence. Above all, consultation has the power to transform the hearts and minds of individuals, communities and entire cultures.
Consultation isn’t simply a discussion or airing the views of those participating. The beauty of true consultation is in its collective and objective investigation of reality. Its purpose centers on achieving clarity, truth and ultimately better solutions than any one individual could offer.
"True consultation has the power to transform the hearts and minds of individuals, communities and entire cultures. Consult about all things great and small."
What’s new
As organizations and teams work to foster a culture that creates greater alignment, consultation emerges as a guiding light. Unlike traditional conversations focused on advancing individual points of view, consultations aim to nurture ideas collectively. They steer towards the discovery of the best solution on any given topic.
Why it matters
The pivotal distinction of consultation lies in its approach. Often, participants work to convince others to adopt a specific viewpoint. Consultation fosters conversations that converge to identify optimal organizational solutions. The former is commonplace in debates and societal discourses where individuals are resistant to changing their perspectives. The latter, however, thrives in organizations that intentionally embrace the principle of consultation.
The big idea
Transitioning from the former to the latter requires the adoption of consultation guidelines within organizations. These guidelines include:
- Active participation from everyone
- A focus on finding the best solution
- The absence of hierarchy, and
- A commitment to listening without judgment
Here’s how
There’s not a specific checklist to conduct effective consultation, however, there are guidelines that contribute to a successful outcome. It’s important to understand that consultation is a practice and a process. It gradually improves with greater self-awareness, humility and practice over time.
While these guidelines may be agreeable to most, changing participants’ behaviors often proves challenging. When you faithfully implement these guidelines, the results are remarkable.
Get started, download and study Consultation Guidelines.
Reaching decisions and better solutions
Many agree that it’s important to value and encourage diverse opinions. The reality in most cases is that not all contributions carry equal weight due to varying knowledge and experience levels. However, the meeting isn’t about consensus decision-making; it’s a platform for consultation and exploring the best options.
In business, ideally, the individual who’s accountable for the project should hold the decision-making power, regardless of their position on the organizational chart. The consultation process provides that person with the collective wisdom of the group. That way the decision is supported by data and analysis, aiding informed decision-making.
A practice grounded in spiritual principles
Baháʼís haven’t cornered the market on consultation. That said, Baháʼís approach the practice in a distinctive and unifying way. Their method of decision-making whether at home, among friends or while serving on committees or institutions is distinctive and unifying.
No welfare and no well-being can be attained except through consultation.
– Bahá’u’lláh, The Prophet-Founder of the Baháʼí Faith
Baháʼís consult upon things great and small. Even before I became a Baháʼí, I saw the value in the practice. As a result, my wife and I consulted about everything: furnishings, finances, careers and raising our children. Soon after we married, my wife joked that I might be the only man who had an opinion about kitchen towels.
Consultation is at the heart of everything we do as Baháʼís: administration, service, community life, family life and personal life. It’s a key that enables us to unlock the answer to any question we might have. It leads, ultimately, to greater unity and increased happiness.
Find this interesting and want to dig deeper? Please reach out to me and I’ll share how I incorporate consultation into my life.