b'BUSINESS GROWTHKnowing the Difference Between Consensus and Engagement Makes ALL the DifferenceSHAWN BROOK President, Seed World Groupsbrook@seedworldgroup.comseedworldgroup.com@SeedWorldGroupAS I FACILITATE DISCUSSIONSaround the world, Ive come toin whats being discussed. learn what makes for a truly successful discussion that resultsPeople usually have more similarities in their goals than dif-in substantive change versus an outcome that simply keeps theferences, but they often see it as a complete adversarial situation status quo or gets people to begrudgingly agree with something. theres NO way were giving into THEM, I often hear. In The former generates engagement, while the latter simply gener- these cases, no one is committed to engaging because they see it ates consensus. as taking a weaker position.Whats the difference between generating consensus andIf you use outside engagement in the form of a facilitator, engagement? Generating consensus is getting everyone to agreenobody must take a weaker position.to go in a certain direction. Sure, that sounds OK to me, theySo how do you arrive at getting people engaged? Grant sayand then everyone moves that way.them some ownership over the outcome. When its their idea, Engagement, on the other hand, is about understandingtheyll be fully committed, self-adjusting and tweaking as why, buying into the why, and charging forward at 100 milesneeded. You might work hard for the bosss idea, but you will an hour behind that why.literally run through a wall for your own idea. Consensus isnt bad. That ability to get everyone to say yesThe tricky part is when people slide into thinking theyre is a great skill to have, BUT (used for dramatic effect, because Ibeing manipulated into agreeing with a certain idea. Nothing should never use this word!) when we need real buy-inwhenabout this is manipulation; its about clarity. The distinction we need people to fully commit and push towards a goalwebetween manipulation and clarity is massive, and it often need engagement. Engagement comes from genuine conversa- comes down to intent. If your intent is to show that your idea is tion and understanding, not just from agreement. the right one, thats manipulation. If your intent is to have eve-Getting there isnt easy. Getting people engaged oftenryone believe in the path forward, thats clarityand having requires an outsider who can shed light on the commonalitiessomeone who knows how to help you generate it is invaluable. Elevate your business with the knowledge you need.Subscribe now for exclusive insights, breakthrough trends, and expert analysis delivered directly to your inbox. Join the Seed World Canada community today!seedworld.com/subscribeSEPTEMBER 2024 SEEDWORLD.COM/CANADA 33'