Transition of Authority

Turning Consensus into a popular and financially solvent co-operative should not be the final objective of the PM. The PM must also have the vision to create a culture of consultation within Consensus. This culture involves: (1) vibrant, yet civil, discussion of issues facing Consensus at the membership, low ring, and high ring levels and (2) respect for the electoral processes, the decisions from the low and high rings, and advice from the advisors.

What is not a culture of consultation is a continual opposition to decisions that have been passed by the high ring. After the decision has been made and implemented, all members need to let the decision come to its natural conclusion. If a decision is indeed ineffective, it will eventually become obvious—and the high ring will change its mind.

There will be a transition of authority. At first, the PM will be the final decision maker of Consensus. When the committees of the first low ring are formed, the PM should either take their decisions or explain why Consensus should not go in those directions. But low ring should be understood that the final decision still belongs to the PM.

The PM will treat the high ring in a similar manner. She will allow the high ring to work through its decisions in its own way. If she agrees with the high ring, the decision is carried forward. If she disagrees, she needs to decide whether the decision is crucial to the survival of Consensus. If not, she should probably acquiesce to that high ring decision—just to give them the practice in this new system of governance.

The PM should leave Consensus in such a way that the membership, low ring, high ring, and advisors are a well-functioning unit for decision making.

I predict that it will take about three high ring elections before the high ring is truly ready to assume the final authority of Consensus. Therefore the PM should plan to be with Consensus for about six years.

If the PM can leave Consensus in a culture of consultation, the PM is going to be highly sought after for similar missions around the world. Building Consensus will indeed be a great career maker.