There are many options for how groups might want to function when it is time to make decisions. It is critical to have something in place before the group advances into substantive dialogue and negotiation. In choosing a decision-making protocol, the group will:
- Work towards the highest and fullest consensus possible
- Use a polling tool to calibrate consensus
- Not confuse the polling tool with decision making
- Use a fallback of super-majority voting (66%) if a full consensus is not possible
- Develop alternatives or modifications if necessary
(See, for example, Ok Tedi Report)