[J3] A Comment About Consensus

[Brad Richardson]

Hi All,

After yesterday's brief mention about consensus and the goal of the committee to reach it, I wanted to say something on the subject.

First, ISO's definition (found here: [https://www.iso.org/glossary.html)](https://www.iso.org/glossary.html)

CONSENSUS

The goal of any technical committee: general agreement where there is no sustained opposition to substantial issues by any important part of the concerned interests, in a process that seeks to take into account the views of all parties concerned (see subclause 2.5.6 in the [ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1](http://isotc.iso.org/livelink/livelink?func=ll&objId=4230452&objAction=browse&sort=subtype)).

What consensus is not: the majority imposing their will on the minority in the face of objection (i.e. tyranny of the majority).
Also What consensus is not: the minority impeding progress of the majority to suit their own ends (i.e. tyranny of the minority).

What that means in practice is that if the majority feels that all objections have been addressed and the best, feasible solution has been found, they may vote to move forward even if there is sustained opposition, but they must take great care not to do so lightly. And, opposing views must be respected and heard, but must be willing to accept when their objections are not sufficient to have swayed the majority.

We need to be accepting, courteous, and make certain all objections are heard, understood, and addressed in a professional manner and be respectful and understanding when raising them. Let's all try to keep that in mind.

Regards,
Brad Richardson
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