Gradients of Agreement
Developed by Sam Kaner, this tool maps participant support for a proposal on a seven-point spectrum from 'Whole-hearted endorsement' to 'Block'. Unlike binary yes/no votes, it reveals the texture of group opinion — enabling the facilitator to see if apparent consensus masks quiet reservations or if opposition is soft or fundamental.
Comment l'animer
- 1
Present the proposal clearly.
- 2
Display the seven-point scale: 1 = Whole-hearted support; 2 = Endorsement with minor reservations; 3 = Support with reservations I want noted; 4 = Abstain (I'll support whatever the group decides); 5 = Reservations too significant to stay silent; 6 = Strong disagreement; 7 = Block (I cannot support this).
- 3
Each participant privately writes their number on a card or sticky note.
- 4
Reveal simultaneously.
- 5
Invite 5s, 6s, and 7s to share their concerns.
- 6
Adjust the proposal to address concerns and re-poll until the group reaches an acceptable consensus (usually everyone at 4 or below).
Conseils
The block (7) is not a veto — it's a signal that something fundamental has been missed.
Treat it as information, not obstruction.
A group of 2s and 3s is often more actionable than a mixed 1–6 result.
Variantes
Simplify to a 5-point scale for quicker use. Run anonymously using polling software for sensitive decisions.
Contextes d'utilisation
Questions fréquemment posées
Quand utiliser Gradients of Agreement ?â–ľ
Utilisez Gradients of Agreement lorsque vous souhaitez: Strategic decisions; Policy adoption; Consent-based governance; Conflict resolution.
Combien de temps dure Gradients of Agreement ?â–ľ
Gradients of Agreement dure généralement 10–30 minutes.
Pour combien de participants Gradients of Agreement convient-il ?â–ľ
Gradients of Agreement fonctionne mieux pour des groupes de 3–30 participants.
De quels matériaux ai-je besoin pour Gradients of Agreement ?▾
Pour animer Gradients of Agreement, vous aurez besoin de : printed or drawn scale (1–7), sticky notes or cards.
Quel est le niveau de difficulté de Gradients of Agreement ?▾
Gradients of Agreement est classé intermédiaire — une certaine expérience en facilitation est utile.
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