Consultation is a method of communication. Unlike most communications, it is structured to find a solution to a problem or determine a course of action: it is a leading solution.
The consultation is described as a process built on spiritual principles and tries to have defined social results:
“The consultation confers greater understanding and transmutes the conjecture into certainty. It is a bright light, which in a dark world, points the way and guides. For all things there exists and will continue to exist a position of perfection and maturity. The maturity of the gift of understanding ”(Bahá'u'lláh, book“ The Consultation ”- Jhon Kolstou).
The query contains two components: a goal and a method.
It is spiritual in nature, derived directly from the teachings, for the purpose of seeking the truth. Equally important, it is practical - a tool for expressing the principle of "unity in diversity" in behavior. It embodies a method with prescriptions for good communication.
The general characteristics of the advisory method are as follows:
… The objective of the consultation must be to investigate the truth. Whoever expresses an opinion should not proclaim it as correct and correct, but offer it as a contribution to the consensus of opinion: because the light of reality appears when two opinions converge. A spark is produced when flint and steel meet. The man should weigh his opinions with the greatest serenity, calm and composure. Before expressing your own point of view you should carefully consider the points of view already expressed by others. If he finds a previously expressed opinion to be more true and valuable, he should accept it immediately and not stubbornly cling to his own opinion. By means of this excellent method he does his best to arrive at unity and truth.
What emerges are basic features of the query. First, it is geared toward meeting the goals of the group. It focuses the contributions of individual members to discover all the relevant facts and points of view of a given problem.
Second, the discovery of truths depends on the use of diversity of opinions and styles. The philosopher 'Abdu'l-Bahá explains that, "the bright spark of truth only manifests itself after the clash of different opinions." Therefore, consultation is not a process by which decisions are left to the powerful and the charismatic. She frees the individual, to give herself in the context of a group. The person must carefully weigh his own words together with those of others and try to accept the points of view he finds, which are truer and more valuable.
Consultation instills an understanding of the difference between one's own ideas and the truth, as it emerges from the working group, which must address an important topic.
Consultation is also built on respect. Demand that no one be looked down upon. Group members should value the contributions of all its members.
Very often people invoke hierarchy - force makes right - in their dealings with others. They strive to make themselves and their opinions dominant. Leadership in this context is confused with domination. Consultation, instead, requires the full participation of all members and leadership is expressed in service to the group.
True respect is expressed through words and deeds. Without respect, there can be no trust and without trust, it is not possible to capitalize on human diversity.
Bullying silences the humble, and disrespect antagonizes the proud. Groups cannot afford such silences if their goal is to solve problems bigger than themselves - bigger than their need to intimidate, bigger than their pride.
The consultation is a set of prescriptions to guide action, it is not an idealistic description of how the world should be. Consequently it is a proposal of the Bahá'i administration, using a set of practical principles for groups committed to innovation in large organizations.
Therefore, consultation is different from normal, thoughtless communication. It is goal-driven, shaped by the sincere and collective will of individuals, and is successful by integrating differences within the context of unity. This is the key element: that unity of thought and action emerges from an acceptance of differences of opinion, not from their denial. Uniformity is no more desirable in groups than authority and self-centeredness in the individual.
Each of the principles mentioned above is central to innovation in an organization. The consultative methodology can balance the rigidity of a corporate structure, allowing ideas to navigate successfully through an integrated system.
Purpose:
a) Create team commitment and build trust among the various participants.
b) Identify opportunities and solve problems.
c) Determine the best course of action.
Principles for success:
- Respect each participant and appreciate the diversity of each. This is the main requirement for the consultation. Assess and consider all contributions. Do not belittle any. Do not evaluate until enough information has been gathered Contribute and express opinions with complete freedom Carefully consider the points of view of others - if a valid point of view has been offered, accept it as if it were yours too - Keep the mission at hand the view. The off-topic conversation can be important in strengthening the team, but it is not consultation. Consultation induces solutions. Share the group's unified desire-purpose for the success of the mission. Expect the truth to emerge from the clash of different opinions. Optimal solutions emerge from a diversity of opinion.Once opinions are expressed let go of them. The "ownership" of ideas causes discord among the team. Giving opinions with detachment almost always leads the way to finding the truth. Helping to maintain a friendly atmosphere by speaking with courtesy, dignity, care and moderation. This will promote unity and openness. Make it your goal to achieve consensus. However, if this is not possible, the majority will decide. Remember that once a decision is made, it becomes the decision of all participants. Dissenting opinions are destructive to the success of the mission. When decisions are made with the full support of the group, wrong decisions can be more easily observed and corrected.The "ownership" of ideas causes discord among the team. Giving opinions with detachment almost always leads the way to finding the truth. Helping to maintain a friendly atmosphere by speaking with courtesy, dignity, care and moderation. This will promote unity and openness. Make it your goal to achieve consensus. However, if this is not possible, the majority will decide. Remember that once a decision is made, it becomes the decision of all participants. Dissenting opinions are destructive to the success of the mission. When decisions are made with the full support of the group, wrong decisions can be more easily observed and corrected.The "ownership" of ideas causes discord among the team. Giving opinions with detachment almost always leads the way to finding the truth. Helping to maintain a friendly atmosphere by speaking with courtesy, dignity, care, and restraint. This will promote unity and openness. Make it your goal to achieve consensus. However, if this is not possible, the majority will decide. Remember that once a decision is made, it becomes the decision of all participants. Dissenting opinions are destructive to the success of the mission. When decisions are made with the full support of the group, wrong decisions can be more easily observed and corrected.You almost always find the way to find the truth. Help maintain a friendly atmosphere by speaking with courtesy, dignity, care, and moderation. This will promote unity and openness. Make it your goal to achieve consensus. However, if this is not possible, the majority will decide. Remember that once a decision is made, it becomes the decision of all participants. Dissenting opinions are destructive to the success of the mission. When decisions are made with the full support of the group, wrong decisions can be more easily observed and corrected.You almost always find the way to find the truth. Help maintain a friendly atmosphere by speaking with courtesy, dignity, care, and moderation. This will promote unity and openness. Make it your goal to achieve consensus. However, if this is not possible, the majority will decide. Remember that once a decision is made, it becomes the decision of all participants. Dissenting opinions are destructive to the success of the mission. When decisions are made with the full support of the group, wrong decisions can be more easily observed and corrected.if it is not possible that the majority decide. Remember that once a decision is made, it becomes the decision of all participants. Dissenting opinions are destructive to the success of the mission. When decisions are made with the full support of the group, wrong decisions can be more easily observed and corrected.if this is not possible that the majority decide. Remember that once a decision is made, it becomes the decision of all participants. Dissenting opinions are destructive to the success of the mission. When decisions are made with the full support of the group, wrong decisions can be more easily observed and corrected.
