Rongjia Liu Consensus generation in pathology new orleans1

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 1

• Raise the issue that is to be discussed

• State your position

Step 2

• Ask for reactions from the audience

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

Thank you for your time!!