Consensus Generation in Pathology
MENTORING ASPECTS AND HOW RULES ARE ESTABLISHED, THE EXAMPLE OF BANFF TRANSPLANT PATHOLOGY MEETING DISCUSSIONS
RONGJIA LIU
What is consensus decision making?
• Merriam-Webster’s dictionary definition: consensus• 1. general agreement, the judgement arrived at by most of those
concerned
2. group solidarity in sentiment and belief
• A process used by groups seeking to generate widespread levels of participation and agreement on topics of discussion
• Highly effective decision making method
Traditional consensus facilitation
• Consensus facilitator is a profession
• Professional training and certification available
• Usually the facilitator would not be an expert on the discussion topic and would be a neutral third party
• However…
Banff Conferences on Transplant Pathology Consensus
- The facilitator can be a well-known pathologist who is expert in the discussion topics
- Often the leader of the group
- So, is there a way for an expert in the discussion topic to also act as the consensus facilitator?
Listening With a Point of View
KANER S, WITH LIND L, TOLDI C, FISK S, BERGER D (2007) FACILITATOR’S GUIDE TO PARTICIPATORY DECISION-MAKING, 2ND EDN. SAN FRANCISCO, CA: JOSSEY-BASS.
Listening with a point of view
• Answers the question “How does the expert promote his or her own point of view effectively, while still making room for all other opinions to be voiced?”
• The person playing the dual role has two mind-sets:• The leader’s mind-set: responsible for clarifying his or her own
thinking and communicating it effectively• Facilitator’s mind-set: care about helping the group do its best
thinking, wanting to support others to develop their lines of thought
• Five-step process that supports this person to balance both roles
Step 3
• Respond to participants’ comments as a facilitator would
• Paraphrase and draw people out
• Many people find it hard to challenge authority; they may need extra support to risk voicing a differing opinion
Step 4
• After at least 2 moves of facilitative listening, give yourself the floor to speak
• Make statements that reflect your own perspective
• Answer questions, provide information, explain, advocate
Step 5
• Repeat Steps 2-4 as needed
• Remember to balance expressing your own point of view with at least twice as much facilitative listening