SuperadditiveThe Decider

Method 04 of 08

Democratic

Majority rules.

Run this decision →Read how it works

What it means

Present a clear set of choices and let the group vote.

The option supported by the agreed voting rule wins.

Best when

  • The choices are clear.
  • Voters understand the alternatives.
  • Majority preference matters.
  • The group accepts the voting rule.
  • A definitive ending is more valuable than unanimity.

Watch out for

  • Voting before people understand the options.
  • Popularity replacing judgment.
  • Permanent majority and minority blocs.
  • Losers feeling no responsibility for implementation.
  • Treating every decision like an election.

How it works

  1. Define the decision.
  2. Establish the options.
  3. Establish the voters.
  4. Establish the voting rule.
  5. Let people understand/debate the options.
  6. Vote.
  7. Publish the result.
  8. Make implementation everyone's responsibility.

Run the decision

Want help holding the process?

A short tool built for democratic decisions. It keeps the steps, roles and record straight. It never makes the call for you.

Run this decision →

Common traps

People vote with the room.
Consider anonymous voting or an initial private vote.
The majority repeatedly steamrolls the same people.
Watch for persistent patterns.
Debate becomes factional.
Keep arguments about alternatives, not identities.
Losers quietly resist implementation.
Agree beforehand that legitimate voting settles the decision.

When to switch methods