Roman Voting
The simplest possible group voting technique: thumbs up (yes), thumbs sideways (neutral/can live with it), or thumbs down (no/block). Named after the Roman gladiatorial arena gesture, it's used for rapid, simultaneous polling on yes/no decisions or to check for consent.
How to run it
- 1
State the proposal or question clearly.
- 2
Count down '3-2-1' and have everyone show their thumb simultaneously.
- 3
Thumbs up = support, thumbs sideways = neutral, thumbs down = oppose or need to discuss.
- 4
If unanimous thumbs up: proceed.
- 5
If any thumbs sideways/down: invite those people to briefly state their concern.
- 6
Revise the proposal if needed and re-vote.
Tips
Best for straightforward yes/no decisions.
For nuanced decisions use Fist of Five instead.
Make voting simultaneous to avoid anchoring effects.
Variations
Use coloured cards (green/yellow/red) instead of thumbs for visibility in large groups. For remote teams use poll reactions (👍/➡️/👎).
Where it fits
Frequently asked questions
When should I use Roman Voting?â–ľ
Use Roman Voting when you want to: Quick decisions in meetings; Consent rounds in sociocracy; Checking energy levels; Go/no-go decisions.
How long does Roman Voting take?â–ľ
Roman Voting typically takes 2–10 minutes.
How many participants does Roman Voting work for?â–ľ
Roman Voting works best for groups of 2–100 participants.
What materials do I need for Roman Voting?â–ľ
To run Roman Voting you will need: none (uses thumbs).
How difficult is Roman Voting to facilitate?â–ľ
Roman Voting is rated beginner — straightforward to facilitate even without prior experience.
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