Organizations today must respond to constant change, shifting priorities, and incomplete information — yet many project decisions are still made through centralized, top-down approaches that amplify blind spots and quietly erode the energy needed for implementation. When uncertainty is high, no single leader has enough perspective. What teams need is a structured way to integrate diverse expertise while still keeping projects moving forward.
In this hands-on session, we'll explore and practice consent-based decision-making — a method that's different from traditional consensus. Consensus asks everyone to agree. Consent asks a sharper question: Is there any reason this proposal would cause harm or prevent us from moving forward?
That shift changes everything. It keeps decisions timely and focused while surfacing the critical objections that could undermine a project.
You'll experience a live demonstration of consent in action, and explore how this neuroscience-backed approach can help project managers strengthen stakeholder alignment, surface critical perspectives, and increase team commitment — especially when the path forward isn't clear.
Come prepared to participate – camera on if possible – and to stretch your thinking about how decisions get made on your team.
Learning outcomes:
1. Describe how consent-based decision-making helps integrate diverse stakeholder perspectives while maintaining forward progress.
2. Demonstrate the key steps of a consent-based process by participating in a live decision scenario.
3. Identify at least two situations in your own projects where consent-based decision-making could strengthen stakeholder alignment or improve decision quality.
About the Presenter:
Sheella Mierson, Ph.D. is Principal of Mierson Consulting, where she helps organizations improve how they make decisions in complex projects and initiatives. She works with leaders and teams to strengthen stakeholder alignment, design effective decision-making processes, and increase commitment to execution.
Originally trained as a biophysicist (Ph.D., University of Michigan), Sheella brings a distinctive blend of analytical rigor and facilitation expertise, including drawing on neuroscience research to explain what actually makes groups think well together. She designs and leads high-impact meetings and structured decision processes that bring out the best in a group while keeping work moving forward.
*Event Registration:
- IIBA Members (Free) - first login using the "Member Login" link above top-right and return to this page to register.
- Non-IIBA Members ($5) - please click the "Register" button above.
Questions? Please contact the event organizers shown on this page.
