You're organizing a conference with conflicting opinions on keynote speakers. How can you reach a consensus?

1 Understand Views

Understanding the differing perspectives of your team is the first step toward reaching a consensus on keynote speakers. Engage in open discussions to hear everyone's opinions and the reasoning behind them. This process isn't just about listening; it's about actively seeking to comprehend the values and expectations that each team member has for the conference. By recognizing the diversity of viewpoints and the expertise that each person brings to the table, you can begin to find common ground and identify speakers who resonate with the overarching goals of the event.

3 Explore Options

With criteria in place, explore a wide range of potential speakers. Encourage your team to research and suggest candidates who might not have been considered initially. This phase is about expanding your pool of options rather than narrowing it down. By casting a wider net, you increase the chances of finding speakers who not only meet your criteria but also bring diverse perspectives and fresh ideas to your conference, which can be appealing to all stakeholders involved.

4 Prioritize Goals

In any conference, certain goals take precedence over others. It's crucial to prioritize these objectives when deciding on keynote speakers. Whether the primary goal is to educate, inspire, or provoke thought among attendees, ensure that the speakers you consider are capable of delivering on these expectations. When your team understands and agrees on what's most important for the conference, it becomes easier to make decisions that align with these priorities, paving the way for a consensus.

5 Compromise Effectively

Reaching a consensus often involves compromise. You might find that not everyone will get their top choice for a keynote speaker. It's important to foster a collaborative environment where each team member feels their input is valued, even if their preferred option isn't the final choice. Emphasize the importance of the collective decision and the shared vision for the conference's success. A willingness to give and take can lead to an agreement that satisfies the majority and supports the event's objectives.

6 Finalize Decision

Once you've discussed options, aligned on goals, and compromised where necessary, it's time to finalize the decision on your conference's keynote speakers. Ensure that the decision-making process is transparent and that the final choice is communicated clearly to all stakeholders. By demonstrating how the selected speakers meet the agreed-upon criteria and contribute to the conference goals, you can reinforce the consensus and build excitement for what these speakers will bring to the event.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?