What does reaching consensus about a difficult issue mean?

Reaching consensus about a difficult issue means that a significant majority of the group, typically between two-thirds and three-quarters, agrees with the decision. This approach ensures that a broad level of support is garnered, which can contribute to the legitimacy and acceptance of the decision among all group members. Consensus is not just about reaching an agreement; it also involves fostering collaboration and considering diverse viewpoints, which helps create solutions that are more comprehensive and acceptable to a larger segment of the group.

By engaging a substantial portion of the group, consensus also reduces the chances of conflict or dissent after the decision is made, as those who agreed feel heard, and those who had concerns may have had their issues addressed in the process, contributing to a more stable and cooperative group dynamic post-decision-making.