Community Heritage Commissions: Decision Making

The University of Waterloo (link) offers a number of approaches to effective decision-making. Here is a summary of a few suggestions:

1. Identify: clearly understand what you are trying to decide so you have a goal on which to focus your discussions.
2. Analyze: examine the data and resources that you already have, and identify what additional information you may need.
3. Establish criteria: Identify the criteria or conditions that would determine whether a chosen solution is successful. Ideally, a solution will be feasible, move the group forward, and meet the needs of every group member.
4. Brainstorm: explore potential solutions to the identified problem or decision. This involves collecting as many ideas as possible. At this stage, ideas should not be criticized or evaluated.
5. Evaluate: look for the best alternative according to the criteria identified in step 3. Remember that you may be able to combine ideas to create a solution.
6. Implementation: consider the resources necessary to implement the decision, as well as the potential obstacles, then taking action.
7. Monitor and evaluate: Based on the criteria identified in step 3, evaluate whether the decision was successful. If not, revisit step 4 to evaluate the other options or generate new ones.

Finding Consensus

The University of Waterloo offers different approaches to come to a consensus. This one might be more time-consuming, but it is a good way to reach an overall agreement.

The decision is discussed and negotiated until everyone affected by it understands and agrees with what will be done. Consensus in decision making means that all members genuinely agree that the decision is acceptable. After a group has identified a decision to be made, each member is asked how he/she feels about the proposed decision by selecting one of the following responses:

1. I can say an unqualified “yes” to the decision.
2. I find the decision acceptable.
3. I can live with the decision, but I’m not especially enthusiastic about it.
4. I do not fully agree with the decision, but I do not choose to block it.
5. I do not agree with the decision, and I feel we should explore other options.

If all the responses from the group members are 1, 2, 3, or 4, you have a consensus and are ready to move on.

This is the best way to make decisions, if you have the time, so that all members feel that they have had an equal opportunity to influence the decision and will continue to support the group.

This guide provides an overview of Community Heritage Commissions through research and commentary. Application of this heritage conservation tool is not prescriptive, as it can be adapted to each situation. Local governments and regional districts wanting to implement the heritage conservation tools should seek legal counsel as required.

SPECIAL NOTE: It is intended this guide will develop through community input. If you have best practices and case studies that would benefit this guide, please contact Heritage BC. Additionally, please contact us if you have questions or are seeking advice.