A map of effective participatory decision-making
"The Diamond of Participation is a map of group process created by Sam Kaner and colleague that identifies several phases a group goes through on the way to creating participatory decisions.
"As groups engage with complex decisions there is a very common journey that goes through emotional and creative phases. Our ability to stay open to this journey enables us to discover new ideas, enter into the unknown, engage with difficult dynamics and make sustainable decisions. As a map, the diamond of participation helps us navigate the terrain of participatory decision making, and can help a group identify common traps, pitfalls and opportunities. Alongside personal leadership capacities to host and participate with presence and openness this map, with tools and practices to help move through each of the stages, can support engaging, creative, participatory decision making.
"The diamond is divided into five zones or phases that groups go through. In each of these zones, leaders can help groups make good decisions by paying attention to the emotional terrain and use good tools at the right time. " - Chris Corrigan
Article: The Diamond of Participation