Facilitation Technique Number 15: 10/4 Value Ranking

This is a facilitation technique used when a group is having difficulty achieving consensus and it is not clear to the facilitator which direction the group leans. This is a more formalized 'voting' process which is designed to determine emphasis. The process will yield a basic ranking of the items in question. Even after such voting, the facilitator will have to work to achieve consensus.

When attempting to rank or evaluate complex options, each person is given 10 points to allocate to their choices. They can only grant up to 4 points per any topic, so they must choose at least three items. When all persons have cast their value rankings, (either publicly or secretly), the totals can be calculated to get an overall assessment of the group's consensus.

On larger efforts with a large number of options to choose between, '10 points' may not be sufficient. The facilitator can then increase the total points to be distributed (up to 20), but no more than 4 points can be assigned to any one item.

How it Works:

The facilitator identifies on a board or flip chart, all of the possible options or items to be prioritized/ ranked.

Each individual takes time to think through their personal allocation of points to the stated topics. The information can then be accumulated by the facilitator and totaled. (Where there is significant dissension or political factors, the facilitator should consider secret balloting.)

Once the totals are calculated, a secondary list is prepared. If it is a large group, the process must be repeated with focus on a new 'short list.' This is because some attendees in the first round may have cast their points on items which did not make the first cut. therefore, to ensure representation and to facilitate consensus, a second reallocation of points is required.

Again, the facilitator scores the points and develops a priority list. Once completed, the facilitator can begin to work towards consensus.

Example: Possible Jones Family Summer Vacation Destinations

The preferred vacation destination for the Jones family is DISNEYLAND.