Some techniques in Building Consensus

Brainstorming (open)
Allows groups to creatively generate a large number of ideas about a problem or issue in a short period of time.
Encourage quantity of ideas from as many participants as

possible. Encourage ideas outlandish ideas think out of the box. that build on or piggyback already stated ideas. Encourage freewheeling and/or Allow no criticism or evaluation of ideas. Record ideas by number alternating marker colors is helpful.

Brainstorming (structured)
A powerful technique for generating ideas and reaching a decision (also known as Nominal Group Technique).
Participants silently write ideas or possible solutions on

paper. Papers are turned in and facilitator writes them on flip chart in short, key phrases additional ideas are accepted verbally from the floor and recorded criticism is not allowed. Ideas are discussed for clarification participants may suggest reasons for liking or disliking an idea. The straw vote or weighting results are discussed along with further clarification and further reasoning.

Brainstorming (structured)
The ideas most favoured are put to a final vote participants

silently write their favoured ideas in rank order on paper. Papers are turned in and the final vote is tallied, revealing the highest ranked idea or ideas.

Go-rounds
A technique for ensuring full group participation in a brainstorming session.
Ideas are taken one person at a time from each person in order

around the room until all have offered an idea additional ideas can be taken after the go-round.